European MEPs demand action on DRC humanitarian crisis

Belgian Members of the European Parliament, Elio Di Rupo and Hilde Vautmans, are calling for increased European Union attention and solidarity regarding the escalating humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The lawmakers argued that Congolese lives deserve the same level of international concern as those in other conflicts, such as Ukraine, criticizing what they perceive as a double standard in humanitarian response.

According to the MEPs, approximately 18.5 million people in the DRC require humanitarian aid, with 26.5 million facing acute food insecurity and 6.4 million internally displaced due to persistent violence.

Hilde Vautmans specifically urged the European Parliament to enforce previously adopted resolutions, including the implementation of sanctions against Rwanda. She expressed deep concern over the security situation and the reported links between former Congolese President Joseph Kabila and the M23 rebels, who are supported by Rwanda. Vautmans emphasized that the credibility of the European Parliament is at stake if its resolutions regarding peace and sanctions remain unimplemented.