The Rwandan government must withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and stop supporting the M23 rebels, according to a resolution passed by Parliament. With 443 votes in favour, four against, and 48 abstentions, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemn the occupation of Goma and other areas in eastern DRC as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
Critical humanitarian situation
MEPs call out the use of explosive weapons and the occurrence of unlawful killings, sexual violence, and other serious human rights abuses in North Kivu by all involved parties. They highlight the issues of forced labour, forced recruitment, and other violations by M23 with backing from Rwandan forces, as well as by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).
Parliament demands an immediate end to violence, especially mass killings and the use of rape in warfare. It urges DRC and Rwanda to investigate and prosecute those accountable for war crimes, including sexual violence.
MEPs assert that any attack on United Nations-mandated forces is unacceptable and may violate international law. They express grave concern about the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, calling for the immediate reopening of Goma airport and the establishment of humanitarian corridors.
Immediate suspension of EU Memorandum of Understanding
Parliament criticised the European Union’s lack of effective measures to address the crisis and called on the European Commission and the Council to suspend the EU’s Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with Rwanda until it ceases all interference in the DRC.
MEPs also urge the Commission, EU member states, and international financial institutions to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda until it allows humanitarian access and cuts ties with the M23. They recommend halting military and security assistance to Rwanda’s armed forces to prevent contributing to harmful military operations in eastern DRC.
Lastly, MEPs express concern about the impact of Russian interference in the conflict and the increasing presence of Chinese actors in the DRC’s mining sector without regard for social and economic responsibility. They welcome the recent SADC and EAC peace summit in Dar es Salaam and encourage all countries in the Great Lakes region, especially the DRC and Rwanda, to negotiate peace.
