In a resolution, MEPs have strongly condemned the occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by M23 rebels and the Rwandan defence forces as an unacceptable breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

MEPs denounce the indiscriminate attacks involving explosive weapons as well as unlawful killing, rape, and other apparent war crimes in populated areas of North Kivu by all parties. They deplore the use of forced labour, forced recruitment, and other abusive practices, by M23 with the support of Rwanda’s military, and by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).

Critical humanitarian situation

Calling for an immediate end to the violence, particularly the mass killings and the use of rape as a strategic weapon of war, Parliament urges the DRC and Rwanda to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence, under the principle of command responsibility. MEPs also say that any attack on United Nations-mandated forces is inexcusable and may be considered a war crime. 

MEPs are extremely concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in the country and demand the immediate reopening of Goma airport and the creation of humanitarian corridors to re-establish humanitarian operations in eastern DRC.

Immediate suspension of EU Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda

Parliament regrets the European Union’s failure to take appropriate measures to address the crisis and pressure Rwanda to end its support for M23. It urges the European Commission and the Council to immediately suspend the EU’s Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains with Rwanda, until the country ceases all interference in the DRC, including exporting minerals mined from M23-controlled areas. 

MEPs also call on the Commission, EU member states and international financial institutions to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda until it allows for humanitarian access to the crisis area and breaks all links with M23. The Commission and EU countries should also halt their military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces to avoid contributing directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in eastern DRC.

MEPs are concerned about the consequences of Russian interference in the conflict, as well as the increasing presence of Chinese actors in the DRC’s mining sector and in wider region and working without respect for economic and social responsibility.

Support for peace negotiations

Parliament welcomes the joint SADC and EAC peace summit held in Dar es Salaam on 8 February and expresses its full support for the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes. MEPs call on all countries in the Great Lakes region, in particular the DRC and Rwanda, to urgently pursue negotiations under these frameworks.

The resolution was adopted with 443 votes in favour, 4 against and 48 abstentions. euReporter