On Monday 27 January, the town of Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) was taken over by ‘M23’ rebels, with the support of Rwandan troops, prompting concern among European foreign affairs ministers at their EU Council meeting in Brussels.
“France expresses its solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its territorial integrity. France firmly condemns the offensive carried out by the ‘M23’, supported by the Rwandan armed forces”, declared French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, calling for a cessation of hostilities and dialogue.
In a determined tone, his Belgian counterpart, Bernard Quintin, stressed that “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected by all, at all times and in all places”. He added: “We will see what action can be taken”.
At the same time, the Alliance Fleuve Congo, the political wing of the ‘M23’, issued a statement calling on the DRC government forces to lay down their arms. For its part, Kinshasa renewed its accusations against Kigali.
“The government continues to work to avoid carnage and the loss of human life in view of the manifest intentions of Rwanda”, said the DRC’s Minister of Communication Patrick Muyaya on X at midday, acknowledging the confirmed presence of Rwandan troops on Congolese territory.
Reminder from the EU of its regional commitments. The EU, which supports the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes (see EUROPE 13363/21), is calling for an immediate de-escalation. “The ministers urge Rwanda to halt its support for rebels and withdraw its troops“, declared Kaja Kallas at a press conference on Monday evening. The EU High Representative had already reacted on Saturday 25 January, strongly condemning Rwanda’s involvement in the regional ‘M23’ offensive.
“The EU urges the ‘M23’ to stop its advance and withdraw immediately (...) The EU strongly condemns Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC as a clear violation of international law”, she stated in a press release.
With the capture of the town of Minova on 21 January, followed by that of Sake on 23 January and the offensive in Goma on Monday, the continued advance of the ‘M23’ “is an unacceptable violation of the agreed ceasefire (see EUROPE 13447/23) and further deepens the disastrous humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC (see EUROPE 13360/7)”, according to the EU. (Original version in French by Bernard Denuit)