The European Union (EU) has issued a stern condemnation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for its support of armed groups, particularly the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), amidst escalating violence in the eastern provinces.
Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jutta Urpilainen, delivered a speech on behalf of High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell, expressing the EU’s dismay at the worsening situation and the dire consequences faced by the Congolese population.
In her address to the European Parliament, Urpilainen highlighted the alarming increase in military build-up and violence in eastern DRC, leading to mass displacements and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
The EU has allocated €100 million for humanitarian aid in 2023, yet the overwhelming needs and gravity of the crisis continue to outstrip available resources.
The EU echoed the African Union Commission Chairperson’s assertion that there is no military solution to the crisis, emphasizing the necessity of inclusive political dialogue to address root causes of insecurity.
Urpilainen reaffirmed the EU’s support for the Luanda and Nairobi processes and called for their swift relaunch, urging the implementation of existing roadmaps and verification mechanisms.
Of particular concern to the EU is the support provided by states in the region to armed groups operating in eastern DRC.
The DRC was urged to cease support for the FDLR and other armed groups, ensuring the protection of its population and the implementation of instructions issued to its armed forces regarding the FDLR.
In her closing remarks, Urpilainen underscored the EU’s commitment to addressing the root causes of conflict in the Great Lakes region, including the trafficking of natural resources.
She highlighted the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Critical Raw Materials with Rwanda as part of efforts to promote sustainable and responsible sourcing of raw materials and combat illegal trafficking.
The EU reiterated its dedication to promoting peace, democracy, and sustainable development in the Great Lakes region, emphasizing the importance of transforming insecurity and instability into shared opportunities for development.
Urpilainen expressed gratitude for the discussion and reiterated the EU’s readiness to work closely with the European Parliament to end the conflict in eastern DRC.