Seven European civil society organizations and platforms asked, in a joint letter sent on Tuesday 20 December to the representatives of the European Union (EU), for an end to the military aid to the Rwandan army provided in framework of the European Peace Facility, because of the support provided by Rwanda to the rebel movement M23, author of the massacres of several civilians in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
They condemned these abuses against civilians, and called on the EU and its Member States to act in a firm, united and coherent manner in order to support the peace process initiated in the Great Lakes region. These NGOs have made their call as the EU and its Member States are developing their new strategy for the Great Lakes.
Concretely, these NGOs recommend that the EU and its Member States:
– Publicly and firmly condemn any collusion or cooperation with armed groups active in eastern DRC, and in particular Rwanda’s support for M23.
– Immediately suspend military aid to the Rwandan army provided under the European Peace Facility and condition its support on a prior commitment to withdraw support from the Rwandan army to the M23.
– Impose new sanctions against perpetrators of human rights violations in eastern DRC and their supporters abroad. The EU should expand targeted sanctions to include those found responsible for serious abuses, as well as senior officials across the region complicit in abuses by armed groups.
– Appoint an EU Special Envoy to the region to facilitate dialogue processes between stakeholders and demonstrate the EU’s willingness to actively engage for peace in the region.
– Increase its funding for development aid and humanitarian aid for the DRC.
NGOs also pointed out that the Ukraine crisis should not distract the EU from other conflicts around the world.
By OMA Newsletter N° 987 of 22/12/2022
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
