On June 25, 2024, European Union foreign ministers gathered in Luxembourg for a crucial meeting to discuss the security situation in the Great Lakes region, particularly Rwanda’s military interventions in the is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a situation which has exacerbated tensions between the two countries.
Under the presidency of Josep Borrell – EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – Janez Lenarčič, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response, drew attention to the need for “strong and immediate” political action to restore peace in the region. He forcefully emphasized that “no military solution can end this crisis.”
As the second largest humanitarian donor in the DRC, the EU is committed to continuing to support humanitarian efforts in the region. However, Lenarčič insisted that top priority should be given to resolute and rapid political action to achieve peace. He also deplored that the EU’s strong statement asking Rwanda to immediately withdraw its troops from the DRC and end all support for the M23 was not followed on the ground.
Last March, the EU made clear to all states the obligation to cease all support for armed groups, specifically condemning Rwanda’s support for the M23 and its military presence in the DRC. Calling for a political solution, the EU had stressed the need for an inclusive dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda to address the root causes of the conflict and implement decisions taken within the framework of regional peace initiatives, while ensuring sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of all countries in the region.
These developments highlight the complexity of political and security relations in the Great Lakes region and underscore the critical importance of political and diplomatic engagement to achieve lasting peace. It is imperative that all stakeholders engage in constructive and inclusive dialogue to find peaceful and lasting solutions to end decades of conflict and suffering in this tormented region.
In conclusion, the meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg highlighted the urgency of concerted political action to resolve tensions and restore stability in the Great Lakes region, emphasizing that peace cannot be achieved only through dialogue and cooperation between the parties involved.