The European Union has called on parties involved in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to open a humanitarian corridor and allow the resumption of relief flights.
Speaking in Kinshasa on Wednesday, EU Special Representative to the Great Lakes region, Johan Borgstram, expressed alarm at the deterioration of essential services and urged combatants to uphold international humanitarian law.
He blamed the M23 rebel group—allegedly backed by Rwanda—for intensifying violence that has displaced thousands and condemned the reported presence of Rwandan troops in Congo as a breach of the country’s sovereignty.
Borgstram commended mediation efforts by Qatar and the United States aimed at sustaining dialogue between the Congolese government and the rebels, who signed a ceasefire declaration in Doha in July. Despite the agreement, clashes persist, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Nearly seven million people remain internally displaced, while M23 rebels claim that no humanitarian crisis exists in areas under their control. The EU insists that urgent humanitarian access and adherence to the ceasefire are vital to restoring stability in the region.