Brussels 17.02.2025 Following the European Parliament Resolution, demanding the European Commission to take immediate action to restore peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the EU diplomacy is assessing the possible way forward. However the definite decision will be announced not earlier than on February 24th, when the top EU diplomats would convene in Brussels for the monthly Foreign Affairs Council, the spokesperson of the EEAS said.

In the Resolution adopted on Thursday, 13 February, Members strongly condemned the occupation of Goma and other territories in the DRC province of North Kivu by M23 rebels, supported by the Rwandan troops.

MEPs launched an appel to 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 should reconsider its military assistance to Rwandan armed forces to avoid contributing directly or indirectly to expanding military operations in eastern DRC.

At present according to the UN report the Goma International Airport remains closed, severely affecting humanitarian operations. In a press release issued on 4 February, the Humanitarian Coordinator called for its urgent reopening, which is essential for the evacuation of critically wounded, the delivery of medical supplies, and the arrival of humanitarian aid. Transport on the lake between North Kivu and South Kivu provinces is also suspended.

https://x.com/dwnews/status/1891528447559704835

Humanitarian actors are assessing losses caused by the looting of their warehouses and exploring ways to restore stocks. Till the M23 assault the city of Goma played a central role, as a logistical hub for the entire eastern region, in the distribution of humanitarian aid, making these losses particularly concerning for the overall regional response.

https://x.com/dwnews/status/1891528447559704835

Many displaced people have started to return spontaneously to their places of origin. As of 4 February, an estimated 42,600 returnees (7,100 households) were recorded in Masisi territory, specifically in the health areas of Sake, Kaduki, Kimoka, Kihindo, and Shasha. These returns account for at least 40 per cent of the previously displaced households.

In return areas, many health facilities remain non-functional due to looting and lack of medical supplies and furniture. Electricity remains unavailable. Numerous houses and latrines have been destroyed by fires or bombings, and the water distribution system has been severely damaged. Schools remain closed, with at least 214 schools in North Kivu having been closed for over a year due to their occupation by displaced persons or armed groups. This situation highlights the urgent need for emergency education in return areas.

Access to food is extremely limited for returning families, who have neither food reserves nor the means to purchase food. Nearly all crops and food stocks have been looted by armed groups, leaving returnees in dire conditions.

In Nyiragongo territory, at least 32,600 displaced persons have returned to their places of origin in the health areas of Kasisi, Buhumba, and Kingarame. These returns underscore the need to strengthen community resilience in priority areas, including access to water, shelters, and the restoration of damaged homes, protection, education, and agricultural recovery.

According to recent assessments of population movements in Goma, at least 60 per cent of displaced people remain in and around the city. Humanitarian actors plan to conduct surveys on return intentions to better understand the dynamics of population movement and ensure that returns are voluntary, safe, and dignified.