EU Condemns Continued Escalation of Conflict in Eastern DRC

The European Union (EU) has expressed deep concern over the worsening conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and called for swift action to stop the advancing M23 rebel group.

In a statement issued on behalf of the EU, the High Representative called the renewed offensive of the M23 a significant setback to ongoing peace efforts led by African nations, including the Luanda and Nairobi processes.

"The EU is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC, aggravated by the renewed offensive of the M23 supported by the Rwandan Armed Forces," the statement read.

"This undermines African-led efforts to reach a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The EU reaffirms its full support to the Luanda and Nairobi processes."

The EU strongly condemned the capture of Minova on January 21 and the subsequent capture of Sake on January 23 by the M23, calling these actions a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

"The continued advance of the M23 is an unacceptable violation of the agreed ceasefire and further deepens the disastrous humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo," the statement noted.

The escalating violence has forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee their homes, pushing the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) around Goma to over 800,000.

The EU expressed alarm over the risks posed to civilians caught in the crossfire, particularly as M23 forces reportedly threaten to capture the city itself.

"The threat by M23 to conquer Goma is unacceptable and has in itself grave humanitarian and security consequences on the ground," the statement added.

The EU has called on the M23 to halt its advance immediately and withdraw from the territories it has captured. It also reiterated its demand that Rwanda cease its support for the group.

"The EU strongly condemns 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 statement declared.

The EU also urged the DRC government to stop cooperating with the FDLR militia and other armed groups.

In response to the escalating violence, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the renewed M23 offensive, highlighting its devastating toll on civilians and the growing risk of a broader regional war.

"The renewed offensive launched by the M23 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has a devastating toll on civilians and heightened the risk of a broader regional war," Guterres said.

"I call on the M23 to immediately cease its offensive and withdraw from all occupied areas."

The EU expressed particular concern over a recent UN report detailing serious violations in areas controlled by M23, including forced recruitment, the establishment of parallel administrations, and illicit exploitation of natural resources.

"Such practices undermine efforts to restore peace and stability and violate international norms," the statement emphasized.

The EU reaffirmed its unwavering support for the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, and condemned any attacks on UN forces.

The EU also stressed the importance of holding all perpetrators of violence accountable, including those responsible for sexual and gender-based violence, the recruitment of child soldiers, and summary executions.

"The EU continues to call for the protection of civilians, safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and full respect for international humanitarian law," the statement concluded.

In its final remarks, the EU reiterated its commitment to supporting both the Luanda and Nairobi processes, urging all parties to honor their commitments to a ceasefire, the neutralization of the FDLR, and the withdrawal of foreign forces.

"The EU will consider all the tools at its disposal in order to hold accountable those responsible for sustaining armed conflict, instability, and insecurity in the DRC," the statement affirmed.

The EU’s strong condemnation and call for swift action come as the situation in eastern DR Congo grows increasingly dire, with humanitarian organizations and the international community urging greater support for efforts to end the conflict and bring lasting peace to the region.