History of the DRC’s commitment to the recognition of ecocide as a crimeat the national, regional and international levels
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is home to approximately 62% of the Congo Basin’s forest cover, forming part of the second largest tropical rainforest on the planet. This vital ecosystem sustains the livelihoods of over 80 million people, plays a crucial role in global carbon sequestration and shelters extraordinary biodiversity, making the DRC a pivotal force in maintaining global environmental stability. In addition to its rich natural heritage, the DRC holds abundant mineral resources—such as cobalt, copper, lithium, gold, and tantalum—that are essential for the global energy transition.
As the country seeks to harness these assets for sustainable development, it also faces complex environmental challenges, including the need to strengthen regulation and ensure that resource use respects ecosystems and communities, in the light of first-hand knowledge of the consequences of environmental destruction. These realities underscore the importance of robust legal frameworks and international cooperation to protect nature while promoting responsible and equitable development.
In this context, the DRC is fully committed to championing the recognition of ecocide as an international crime, to ensure prevention of the worst harms, justice for affected communities, and the safe and long-term sustainability of our planet.
At the international level, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi, called on States to support the proposed amendment to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, put forward by Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa, to include ecocide among the crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court. This appeal was made during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, as well as during the opening ceremony of COP30 in Brazil.
At the regional and international level, the Minister of Environment and New Climate Economy, Professor Marie NYANGE, is continuing her efforts to position the DRC as the leading state on this issue within the main environmental and diplomatic forums, such as the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) and the various Conferences of the Parties (COP).
At the national level, Senator Cédric Ngindu Biduaya tabled a bill in December 2025 aimed at recognising ecocide in the Congolese Penal Code.
At the same time, civil society has organised itself into a coalition to support initiatives at the national, regional and international levels. This coalition is coordinated by the Congo Basin Conservation Society (CBCS-Network).
