EU Condemns Continued Escalation of Conflict in Eastern DRC

The EU has expressed concerns over the continued escalation of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), aggravated by the renewed offensive of the M23 supported of the Rwandan Armed Forces (RDF).

European Union spokesman for Foreign affairs, Anouar El Anouni, disclosed this to AIT News correspondent Sadiyat Dosunmu on Wednesday in Brussels.

The envoy said the EU reaffirms its full support to the Luanda and Nairobi processes.

He added that EU strongly condemns the capture of the town of Minova on 21 January, followed by the capture of Sake on 23 January by the M23. 

Another concern raised by the EU is the continued advance of the M23, which he said is an unacceptable violation of the agreed ceasefire and further deepens the disastrous humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC 

The EU says this advance has pushed additional internally displaced persons (IDPs) towards the overburdened camps around Goma, where more than 800.000 IDPs are sheltered. 

He noted that the risk of large numbers of IDPs being caught between combatants is deeply worrying.

The EU urges the M23 to halt its advance and withdraw immediately. 

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The EU reiterated that Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 and also strongly condemned Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC as a clear violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the territorial integrity of the DRC. 

The EU continues to urge the DRC to cease cooperation with the FDLR and other armed groups.

The EU is also deeply alarmed by findings in the recent report of the UN Group of Experts established pursuant to Security Council Resolution 1533 and fully supports its recommendations. 

The report details the consolidation of parallel administrations, forced recruitments, and the illicit exploitation of mining areas in M23-controlled territories, as well as the close cooperation of the Congolese authorities with the FDLR militia and other armed groups. 

Such practices undermine efforts to restore peace and stability and violate international norms.

The EU reaffirms its unwavering support for MONUSCO. Any attack against United Nations-mandated forces is inexcusable.

The EU condemns the persistent violations and abuses of international humanitarian law and of human rights, including sexual and gender-based violence, the recruitment and use of child soldiers, and summary killings by all parties. 

All sides must prioritise protection of civilians, ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and fully respect their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law.

The EU calls for all perpetrators of human rights abuses to be held accountable.

The EU reaffirms its full and steadfast support to the Luanda process led by President João Lourenço of Angola, calling for a quick resumption of negotiations within the Luanda process to find a lasting, peaceful and political solution and urges all sides to fully honour their engagements within the Luanda process, specifically the ceasefire agreed on 30 July 2024.

 the neutralization of the FDLR and the withdrawal of Rwandan forces. The EU also reiterates its support to the Nairobi process.

The EU reiterates in unequivocal terms its condemnation of hate speech and xenophobia, as well as ethnic-based politics.

The EU has also promised to consider all the tools at its disposal in order to hold accountable those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability, and insecurity in the DRC.