The G7 Foreign Ministers, along with the High Representative of the European Union, have strongly condemned the recent offensive by the Rwanda-backed M23 group in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), calling for an immediate halt to the violence and the protection of civilians.
In a joint statement on Monday, the G7 representatives from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside the EU’s High Representative, expressed concern over the capture of key areas such as Minova, Saké, and Goma by M23 forces.
“We strongly condemn the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and in particular, the capture of Minova, Saké and Goma,” the statement read. “We urge M23 and the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) to cease their offensive in all directions.”
The G7 ministers emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, and called for an immediate end to all support for M23 and other non-state armed groups operating in the region. The statement also highlighted the expansion of M23 forces into South Kivu as an alarming development.
“The offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC,” the G7 added.
The violence has already resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of displaced civilians, with thousands seeking refuge in Goma and across the region. The G7 expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation and called for the rapid, safe passage of humanitarian aid.
“We deplore the devastating consequences of the renewed M23 and RDF offensive, worsening already difficult humanitarian conditions,” the statement said.
The ministers reiterated the need for all parties to return to the negotiating table and recommit to peace talks under the Luanda Process. “We urge the M23 to withdraw from all controlled areas,” they said, stressing the necessity for a peaceful and negotiated resolution.
The G7 also reaffirmed their support for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), calling for all parties to respect the peacekeeping mission’s mandate.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers of MONUSCO and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC),” the statement concluded.
In addition, the G7 ministers condemned all attacks against diplomatic missions in Kinshasa, urging Congolese authorities to take the necessary steps to protect diplomats and diplomatic premises in line with international law.
The escalating violence in the DRC continues to destabilize the region, and the international community has called for immediate action to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
