The EU is deeply concerned about the continued escalation of the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), aggravated by the renewed offensive of the M23 supported by the Rwandan Armed Forces (RDF). 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 condemns the capture of the town of Minova on 21 January followed by the capture of Sake on 23 January by the M23. The continued advance of the M23 is an unacceptable violation of the agreed ceasefire and further deepens the disastrous humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. This advance has pushed additional internally displaced persons (IDPs) towards the overburdened camps around Goma, where more than 800.000 IDPs are sheltered. The risk of large numbers of IDPs being caught between combatants is deeply worrying.

The city of Goma is under immense pressure. The threat by M23 to conquer Goma is unacceptable and has in itself grave humanitarian and security consequences on the ground.

The EU urges the M23 to stop its advance and withdraw immediately. The EU reiterates that Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 and withdraw. 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 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 to be held accountable.

The EU reaffirms its full and steadfast support to the Luanda process led by President João Lourenço of Angola. The EU calls 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 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.

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