EU Parliament Urges Suspension Of Rwanda Aid Over M23 Rebel Ties

The European Parliament has called on the European Union (EU) to freeze direct budget support for Rwanda until the country severs its alleged ties with the Tutsi-led M23 rebels and allows humanitarian access to areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) affected by the conflict.

In a resolution passed on Thursday with a 443-4 vote, the parliament also urged the suspension of a memorandum of understanding between the EU and Rwanda regarding strategic mineral supplies, pending Rwanda’s disengagement from Congo’s internal affairs.

A statement from the European Parliament strongly condemned the occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern DRC by M23 rebels and the Rwandan defence forces, calling it an “unacceptable breach” of Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“MEPs strongly condemn the occupation of Goma and other territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by M23 rebels and the Rwandan defence forces as an (unacceptable) breach of the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the body said in a statement.

Though the resolution is non-binding, it increases political pressure on the European Commission and EU member states to take action against Rwanda.

Rwanda has long denied accusations of supporting M23, despite claims by Congo, the United Nations, and several Western countries that Rwandan troops and weapons are aiding the rebel group. Rwandan ambassador to Belgium, Igor Cesar, told an EU panel on Thursday that “Rwanda is not the source of this conflict nor is it responsible for solving it alone.”

The conflict escalated last month when M23 rebels seized Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city. The rebel advance continues southward, raising fears of a humanitarian catastrophe in an area already overwhelmed by thousands of displaced people.

At the heart of the conflict are Congo’s vast mineral reserves, which include large deposits of tantalum, tin, and gold, making the region a strategic economic battleground.

However, Congo remains heavily dependent on foreign aid, much of which was funded by the United States until US President Donald Trump recently paused foreign aid programs, dealing a major blow to humanitarian efforts.

As tensions grow, fears are mounting that the conflict could escalate into a wider regional war, further destabilising Central Africa.

Melissa Enoch

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