** The European Union in the face of the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a decisive mission for peace and stability **
The recent mission of the delegation of European Union parliamentarians in Kinshasa, which took place from May 28 to 30, 2024, raises essential questions concerning the socio-security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This visit allowed MEPs to meet multiple interlocutors ranging from government to civil society, including opposition and international community. Their goal, clearly declared by Hilde Froiden, president of the delegation, was to testify to the support of the EU to the Congolese people while calling for a peaceful resolution of conflicts that undermine the region.
It is crucial to underline the creation of the Africa parliamentary assembly, which aims to strengthen the links between the two continents, but also to promote constructive exchanges on common issues such as security, peace and cooperation. In this sense, the declaration of Hilde Fremans, which evokes the horrors of the crisis in the east of the country, in particular the violence of the M23 movement, shows the commitment of the EU to face a humanitarian tragedy of a considerable scale.
### context of the crisis
The situation in the east of the DRC is complex, marked by recurring armed conflicts, displacement of populations and allegations of external support for rebel groups, including the M23. The presence of Rwandan forces, supporting this rebellion, exacerbated tensions, causing a cycle of violence that first affects civilian populations. The DRC, rich in natural resources, is often found at the heart of struggles of national and international influence. Thus, this geostrategic dimension weighs heavily on the search for lasting solutions.
The European Union recalled its support for the territorial integrity of the DRC by condemning violence and by calling Rwanda to cease any support for the M23. At the same time, it strives to maintain open dialogue channels, which is essential in such a tense context.
### Humanitarian issues
Faced with the magnitude of the humanitarian disaster, which results in an influx of displaced and growing humanitarian needs, the MEPs called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This position highlights the importance of guaranteeing unhindered humanitarian access to people affected by the conflict. Indeed, the measures aimed at establishing secure corridors and authorizing an air deck for the routing of humanitarian aid are crucial aspects to mitigate suffering and provide necessary support for vulnerable populations. The recognition of the efforts of local actors, such as the Minister of Social Affairs, is also significant, because it highlights the often unknown work of those who work in the shadows to meet urgent needs.
### Sanctions: a pressure instrument
The sanctions adopted by the EU against certain Rwandan officers and members of the M23 mark a desire to respond to the destabilization of the DRC by concrete measures. However, the question remains whether these sanctions, which aim for individuals, are enough to generate a change in the behavior of whole states. Beyond the sanctions, what role can the EU play to encourage long-term stabilization in the region? The answer involves a multidimensional approach including support for the construction of democratic institutions and the promotion of dialogue between stakeholders.
### to a constructive dialogue
Through this study trip, parliamentarians of the European Union seek to express a balanced position while recognizing the complexity of the conflict. As an international observators, they must sail between legitimate concerns about human rights and the need to support peaceful solutions. The challenge that presents itself is that of promoting an inclusive dialogue between the various political actors of the DRC, but also between neighboring countries, so that violence does not become the only response to existing tensions.
It is essential that third countries, including Rwanda, are participating in constructive discussions aimed at delicaclage conflicts. In this sense, the EU has a role to play, not only as an observer, but also as a dialogue facilitator, seeking to build bridges rather than creating walls.
### Conclusion
The mission of European parliamentarians in Kinshasa could represent an important step in strengthening relations between Europe and Africa, as is a gesture of solidarity towards a people in the grip of indescribable sufferings. However, it is imperative to keep in mind that viable solutions are not only found in declarations or in sanctions, but in a collective desire to initiate dialogue to build a peaceful and stable future for the DRC and for the whole region.
In the end, the challenges of the DRC can only be resolved by an in -depth understanding of the complexity of the situation, an empathetic approach and the implementation of sustainable solutions which take into account local realities while respecting international standards. The journey towards peace and stability is long and strewn with pitfalls; Nevertheless, it remains essential to sketch tracks of reflection to shed light on the choices of tomorrow.