The EU is concerned about the deteriorating situation in the East of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), High Representative of the Union Josep Borrell said on Tuesday 14 February. In a statement issued on behalf of the EU27, he stressed that “the lack of implementation of commitments and decisions taken by the various parties and the continuation of fighting, particularly around Goma, are aggravating a disastrous humanitarian situation”.
The EU again urges all armed groups to lay down their arms, in line with ongoing regional processes, and “Rwanda to stop supporting the M23” (see EUROPE 13091/12).
The DRC is urged “to stop and prevent any cooperation between the FARDC and armed groups, notably the FDLR”.
The EU calls for an end to “xenophobia, hate speech and incitement to violence targeting any person or group based on their race or ethnic origin”.
The EU is also concerned about the rising tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, particularly following the incident between a DRC military aircraft and the Rwandan Defence Forces on 24 January at the border between the two countries, the High Representative adds. The EU calls for appeasement and dialogue.
Mr Borrell announces the forthcoming adoption of the EU Strategy for the Great Lakes (see EUROPE 13062/9). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)