The EU announces 99 million euros in humanitarian aid to respond to the conflict in the DRC

BRUSSELS, June 19 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The European Union announced this Wednesday 99 million euros in humanitarian aid to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the midst of the deterioration of the crisis in the east of the country, where there is an increase in attacks by the March 23 Movement rebel group ( M23), to which the Congolese authorities link to Rwanda.

Within the framework of a visit by the Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarcic, the European bloc has confirmed aid of 99 million in humanitarian matters, 35 of which are subject to the approval of the European budgetary authorities.

The trip coincides with an increase in violence in the east of the country, including the attack in which a Romanian citizen died and a blue helmet was injured this week. In this sense, Lenarcic has insisted on the need for “an integrative dialogue” between the DRC and Rwanda to “address the root causes of the M23 conflict and the importance of guaranteeing respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of all.” the countries of the region”.

The EU humanitarian official was able to meet with the Congolese president, Félix Tshisekedi, as well as the prime minister, Judith Suminwa, to whom he conveyed concern about the humanitarian crisis in the country and the need to respect international humanitarian law to ensure help and protect the entire civilian population.

In the hard-hit city of Goma, capital of the province of North Kivu (east), the Slovenian commissioner met with EU humanitarian partners and visited projects that have European funding and provide shelter to people displaced by the conflict.