While the European Parliament is preparing to vote on a resolution concerning the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) later this week, its eminence Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Conference Commission of the Bishops of the European Union (Comece), published an urgent appeal to the European Union and the international community concerning the escalation of the humanitarian, security and political crisis in the Republic Democratic of Congo (DRC). This advocacy is involved in the midst of assembly of generalized suffering in Goma and the surrounding area, where conflicts and exploitation have left moved, vulnerable and desperate millions.
A catastrophic situation in Goma
The city of Goma, a critical center for humanitarian aid, trade and transport in the east of the DRC, finds itself at the epicenter of Chaos after its crisis of the rebel group M23 and its allies. According to recent United Nations figures, nearly 3,000 people lost their lives, while more than a million have been forcibly moved in a few weeks. Thousands of others are looking for a refuge in overcrowded churches, schools and makeshift camps, which find it difficult to access the basic necessities such as food, water and medical care.
The institutions managed by the Church, which often serve as life lines in crises, have not been spared. The reports indicate that hospitals, including the Maité de maternal hospital, have been attacked, leading to the tragic death of newborns and serious civilians. Sexual violence against severe women and girls, exacerbating the already disastrous conditions. Catholic agencies on the ground describe scenes of despair, with outdated health establishments and stretched resources at the point of rupture.
EU response and calls for greater action
While recognizing the recent allocation of 60 million euros by the European Humanitarian Aid Union, Comece calls for improved efforts to guarantee that this support reaches those who need it most. Ensure humanitarian access without restriction to conflict zones and safeguard civilians – in particular women and children – of violence and exploitation must remain a priority. In addition, partnerships with local religious networks, which continue to provide essential services such as education, health and refuge, should be reinforced.
Bishop. Crociata underlines the importance of treating the deep causes of the crisis, which includes decades of exploitation of resources, foreign interference and cyclical violence. To achieve a lasting peace, he advocates political courage and diplomatic dialogue, welcoming initiatives such as the “Social Pact for Peace and Coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region”. Proposed by Catholic and Protestant churches, this roadmap seeks to end violence and promote peaceful coexistence and social cohesion.
Foreign interference and regional stability
The involvement of foreign armies and militias, in particular the support presumed by Rwanda of M23 rebels, represents a serious violation of international law. M23’s declared intention to expand the conflict towards the capital of the DRC raises alarming concerns concerning regional stability. In response, Comece urges the EU and the international community to exert pressure on these actors to stop hostilities, negotiate in good faith and respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.
In addition, the looting of natural resources, including cobalt, coltan and gold, feeds conflict and perpetuates cycles of violence. To fight against this, Comece calls for greater transparency in mining practices and the application of reasonable diligence frames along the supply chains linked to Congolese minerals. Economic considerations should not undermine the EU’s commitment to maintain fundamental values and principles.
Targeted sanctions and reassess economic cooperation
Comece encourages the European Parliament to approve calls to targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for human rights abuses and violations of international law. In addition, the terms of economic cooperation agreements, such as the “memorandum of understanding on the value chains of sustainable raw materials”, should be reassessed to guarantee alignment with ethical standards and responsibility mechanisms.
A call for solidarity and justice
Solidarity with the suffering population of the DRC, Comece undertakes to closely monitor developments in the field and to facilitate communication between the local Church and the EU institutions. Thanks to prayer and plea, the organization remains firm in its commitment to promote justice, dignity and lasting peace.
As Pope Francis recently urged, solving the conflict by peaceful means requires the collective effort of local authorities and the international community. The EU, as the world leader in humanitarian action and human rights advocacy, assumes a unique responsibility to act in a decisive and effective manner. By prioritizing diplomacy, responsibility and collaboration, it can help transform current tragedy into an opportunity for reconciliation and renewal in the heart of Africa.
Originally published in The European Times.
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