EU Official Warns of Devastating Humanitarian Crisis in Eastern DRC; Rebel Leader Denies Claim

Kinshasa. A senior European Union (EU) official has warned of a devastating humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which a rebel leader immediately refuted, accusing the government-controlled areas of having the worst conditions.

European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, who is responsible for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, issued this warning while visiting the city of Goma. Goma is under the control of the M23 rebel group. Her visit took place during a regional tour that included Kinshasa, Rwanda, and Burundi.

During this visit, the EU announced the release of 81.2 million euros (approximately 88 million US dollars) in humanitarian aid this week for conflict victims in the Great Lakes region, particularly in eastern Congo.

Speaking to journalists, Lahbib stated that from Kinshasa to Kigali, Bujumbura, and now Goma, her message was singular: humanitarian law must be respected. She emphasized that humanitarian workers must be allowed to do their work, noting a clear increase in violations of international humanitarian law across the geography.