Brussels, 11/02/2015 (Agence Europe) - The Democratic Republic of Congo, the first democratic elections of which were financed by the EU in 2006, will remain one of the EU's main priorities, as it has over the last decade, so important is it that this African country, riven by conflict, become democratic, observe human rights and stop seeing its immense natural resources pillaged, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini assured MEPs in Strasbourg on Tuesday 10 February, noting a meeting of minds with them during a plenary session debate.
Massive human rights violations, an abortive attempt by Joseph Kabila to delay the elections due to take place in less than a year (see EUROPE 11239), increasing repression of opposition, widespread rape of women and girls in the east of the Congo, unimaginable exploitation of the country's minerals and corruption are the widely shared major concerns. Many MEPs called on the EU to do more to ensure protection for gynaecologist Denis Mukwege who was awarded the Sakharov Prize by the Parliament in November 2014 (see EUROPE 11205) and demanded that the draft European regulation on tackling war minerals that is currently under discussion be more effective and be binding - as Dr Mukwege asked and as the US legislation already is - and not voluntary (see EUROPE 11032).
“I share Parliament's concerns over the treatment of Dr Mukwege and the closure of the Panzi hospital. I can confirm that the EU is following the situation closely so that the physical security of this human rights defender is ensured”, said the high representative. Without wanting to say too much about the regulation on the self-certification of imported minerals, she called for “long-term commitment to protect the Virunga Park, threatened by oil exploration permits”.
Speaking of concerns over delays to elections - those scheduled for 2015 and the presidential and general elections in 2015 - Mogherini stated that “respect for the constitution goes beyond respect for the timetable” and that all democratic demands form part of the EU's political dialogue with the country. What is needed, she said, is peaceful hand-over of power, elimination of all the armed groups in the east of the Congo and greater cooperation with DRC's neighbouring countries, as the rebels pose a threat to the whole of the Great Lakes region. “We have a unique opportunity to neutralise the FDLR (Democratic Liberation Forces of Rwanda) which have poisoned relations between Rwanda and Congo. We call on MONUSCO to protect civilians” she said. Koen Vervaecke, EU Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region, has been mandated by Mogherini to bring together the mission of special envoys who will travel to Kinshasa. (Aminata Niang)