The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have agreed to strengthen their cooperation to enhance humanitarian action and improve detention conditions, particularly in the eastern regions of the country. This commitment was reaffirmed on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, during a meeting between ICRC delegation head François Moreillon, concluding his mission in the DRC, and the Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, Guillaume Ngefa Atondoko Andali.

This meeting, which also served as a review of progress, was marked by a positive evaluation of the cooperation between the Congolese government and the ICRC, as well as a shared determination to consolidate this partnership for the benefit of humanitarian action and the improvement of detention conditions in the DRC.

During the discussions, François Moreillon praised the quality of dialogue and collaboration with the Ministry of Justice throughout his mandate. He highlighted that the ICRC and Congolese authorities are working closely on several priority issues, notably the improvement of detention conditions, especially in the eastern provinces where humanitarian needs remain critical.

“My visit to the Ministry of Justice was primarily to thank Mr. the Minister for his collaboration with the ICRC over the past few years. It was also an opportunity, after more than three years here, to take stock and see where we can further strengthen our partnerships with the Ministry of Justice to improve detention conditions and ensure the follow-up of detainees’ treatment, particularly in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the ICRC focuses its activities. The topics discussed included prison financing, detainee food supplies, and several other shared issues with the Ministry of Justice. Our relationship is very close and of high quality,” François Moreillon stated to the press following the meeting.

The two parties also reviewed the main challenges facing prison facilities, including funding, detainee nutrition, and enhanced support for inmates. On this occasion, the ICRC delegation head reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to continuing its support alongside the Congolese government to contribute to sustainable solutions to these challenges.

At the end of his three-year mission in the DRC, François Moreillon delivered a positive assessment of the cooperation developed with the Congolese authorities. He commended the progress made through this partnership and expressed the hope that this momentum would continue for the benefit of the most vulnerable populations.

He also renewed the ICRC’s support for communities affected by crises in the eastern DRC, while calling for continued joint efforts to protect them, uphold their dignity, and ensure compliance with international humanitarian law.

“I feel a deep sense of satisfaction. This is also a message of resilience and support that I wish to convey to the people of Congo, who have suffered for more than three decades, particularly in the eastern part of the country. Additionally, in our relationship with the Ministry of Justice, we have seen a strengthening in recent months, with, I believe, new ambitions that we hope will lead to sustainable solutions for those in detention and better protection of their legal guarantees,” François Moreillon added during his remarks.

The ICRC has been present in the DRC since 1978, supporting people affected by armed conflicts and various forms of violence that regularly impact the country. Its work also aims to promote respect for international humanitarian law and its integration into national legal frameworks, in a context of deteriorating humanitarian and security situations, particularly in eastern DRC.

As a neutral humanitarian intermediary, the ICRC regularly facilitates the release and transfer of detainees between conflict parties, including armed groups such as the AFC/M23, supported by Rwanda according to Congolese authorities, and the DRC government, in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. Between April 30 and May 15 of last year, the ICRC contributed to the transfer of over 1,300 disarmed individuals from the Congolese government forces and their families from Goma to Kinshasa.

This humanitarian operation, covering nearly 2,000 kilometers and crossing a frontline zone, was conducted at the request of the DRC Ministry of Defense and War Veterans, MONUSCO, and the AFC/M23. The ICRC was involved due to its role as a neutral and impartial actor tasked with facilitating humanitarian exchanges between the parties concerned.