MEPs say the Rwandan government must withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s territory and cease cooperation with the M23 rebels.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday, 13 February, MEPs strongly condemned the occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by M23 rebels.
MEPs said they wanted to denounce what they called the “indiscriminate attacks involving explosive weapons as well as unlawful killing, rape, and other apparent war crimes” in populated areas of North Kivu by all parties.
They also “deplored” the allegded use of forced labour, forced recruitment, and other abusive practices, by M23 with the support of Rwanda’s military, and by the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).
Calling for an immediate end to the violence, particularly the mass killings and the use of rape as a strategic weapon of war, Parliament has now urged the DRC and Rwanda to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence, under the principle of command responsibility. MEPs also say that any attack on United Nations-mandated forces is inexcusable and may be considered a war crime.
MEPs in Strasbourg said they are “extremely concerned” about the critical humanitarian situation in the country and demand the immediate reopening of Goma airport and the creation of humanitarian corridors to re-establish humanitarian operations in eastern DRC.
Parliament, in the resolution, said it “regrets the European Union’s failure to take appropriate measures to address the crisis and pressure Rwanda to end its support for M23.”
It urges the European Commission and the Council to immediately suspend the EU MoU with Rwanda until the country “ceases all interference” in the DRC, including exporting minerals mined from M23-controlled areas.
MEPs also call on the Commission, EU member states and international financial institutions to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda until it allows for humanitarian access to the crisis area and breaks all links with M23.
The Commission and EU countries should, according to MEPs, also halt their military and security assistance to the Rwandan armed forces to avoid contributing directly or indirectly to abusive military operations in eastern DRC.
MEPs also voiced “concern about the consequences of Russian interference” in the conflict, as well as the “increasing presence” of Chinese actors in the DRC’s mining sector and in wider region and working without respect for economic and social responsibility.
The resolution was adopted with 443 votes in favour, 4 against and 48 abstentions.
