European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, has warned of a “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as fighting persists despite a proposed ceasefire.

Lahbib issued the warning during a visit to Goma, controlled by the March 23 Movement (M23).

The EU this week announced €81.2 million in humanitarian aid for the Great Lakes region, with a focus on eastern DRC.

Key developments:

• Lahbib called for respect for international humanitarian law, citing reported violations.

• Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC) allied to M23, said the worst conditions are in government-held areas including Uvira, Beni and Bunia.

• Both the DRC army and M23 accuse each other of breaching a ceasefire proposed by Angola.

Clashes continue across North Kivu and South Kivu, raising concerns over aid access and regional stability.

ℹ️ africanews, Xinhua

Follow on social media TikTok@tut0ughInstagram@tut0ugh Threads@tut0ugh X@tut0ugh YouTube@tut0ugh

Click to subscribe to the Weekly Brief by tut0ugh
European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib, accompanied by AFC/M23 coordinator Corneille Nangaa, in Goma, February 20. REUTERS – Arlette Bashizi
Ethiopia–Eritrea tensions: Getachew Reda rejects claims of imminent conflict
Eastern DR Congo humanitarian situation ‘catastrophic’, says EU commissioner during Goma visit
Posted in