On Friday 7 July, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, expressed his deep concern about the humanitarian and security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He said he was “deeply disturbed” by the conclusions of a recent report by the United Nations group of experts on the DRC.
“The EU is outraged by the levels of violence and atrocities that continue to be perpetrated against civilians with impunity”, said Mr Borrell. He calls on the armed groups to “immediately cease all hostilities and attacks against civilians, and withdraw from the areas they are occupying”. The M23 armed group is a particular target.
The various parties must engage in an inclusive political dialogue, according to the High Representative, who condemns the support given to armed groups by certain state actors, as revealed in the United Nations report. For example, Josep Borrell is calling on the DRC to “cease immediately its support and cooperation” with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR/FOCA).
Finally, Mr Borrell brandished the threat of additional sanctions: “The EU will consider taking further appropriate and targeted restrictive measures against persons, entities and bodies responsible for sustaining or exploiting armed conflicts, destabilising the countries in the region, serious human rights violations and abuses, as well as for the obstruction of the electoral process in the DRC”. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)