The Verdict in the Germain Katanga Trial at the International Criminal Court

WASHINGTON, March 8, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Press Statement

Jen Psaki

Department Spokesperson

Washington, DC

March 7, 2014

Today, the Trial Chamber of the International Criminal Court (ICC) convicted Germain Katanga, the commander of the Force de Résistance Patriotique en Ituri (FRPI) militia, for his responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity during a brutal February 2003 attack on Bogoro village in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Past impunity for perpetrators in the DRC has fueled a destabilizing cycle of conflict and human rights abuses, and those who are responsible for atrocities in the DRC must be held to account. In that regard, the ICC's DRC cases represent a significant step toward delivering justice for victims in the DRC. The United States reiterates its call for the apprehension of Sylvestre Mudacumura, another leader of an abusive rebel militia in the DRC who is subject to an arrest warrant by the ICC for war crimes. The Department of State continues to offer a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest.

Strong and effective national courts also have a vital role to play in ending impunity in DRC. We continue to support the Congolese government's efforts to hold perpetrators accountable through its domestic institutions, including through the creation of the proposed mixed chambers.