In a joint statement issued on Monday, February 3rd, G7 Foreign Ministers and the European Union High Representative strongly condemned the recent military offensive by the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly the capture of Minova, Sake, and Goma.
The statement emphasized that the M23 offensive constitutes a “flagrant disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC” and expressed deep concern over the group’s intentions to continue its expansion towards South Kivu.
The G7 leaders demanded an immediate end to all direct and indirect support for the M23 and all other non-state armed groups operating within the DRC. They specifically called on the M23 and the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) to “cease their offensive in all directions” and return to the negotiating table as part of the Luanda peace process.
The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC has significantly worsened due to the ongoing conflict. The G7 expressed deep concern over the “dramatic increase in the number of displaced civilians in Goma and eastern DRC,” adding to the hundreds of thousands already displaced since the start of the M23 offensive in January.
The statement also condemned all attacks against peacekeeping personnel, extending condolences to the families of fallen peacekeepers from MONUSCO and the SADC Mission (SAMIDRC).
Finally, the G7 condemned all attacks against diplomatic missions in Kinshasa and called upon the Congolese authorities to take all necessary measures to protect diplomats and the premises of diplomatic missions.
This joint statement underscores the international community’s grave concern over the escalating violence in eastern DRC and calls for a concerted effort to de-escalate the situation and restore peace and stability to the region.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA