The International Criminal Court has opened its first investigation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Thousands of people have died in mass murders and summary executions in Congo, formerly Zaire, since July 2002.

The court is looking into reports of rape, torture and the illegal use of child soldiers.




Prosecutors say crimes linked to Congo's civil war, including providing cash and weapons, may have occurred as far away as Canada.

The ICC is the first permanent global criminal court. It was established to try those responsible for the world's worst atrocities.