The Canadian Partnership for International Justice (PCJI) has written to the International Criminal Court (ICC) asking it to investigate former President Joseph Kabila and his government's senior officials for alleged crimes

In a June 17 letter to the Office of the Attorney, these Canadian lawyers asked him to seriously address the role and responsibility of Joseph Kabila and his administration. They talk about atrocities including killings, arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence and forced disappearance.

"The continuing impunity of these crimes has contributed to a climate of fear and an alarming increase in violence in the DRC, on the basis of rumors that Kabila would consider returning to power", writes the lawyer group.

The letter signed by 17 other experts and civil society organizations reflects the voices of Congolese and international human rights organizations that have arrested the ICC.

They call on the International Criminal Court to act without delay in order to honour its commitment to fight impunity.