Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, has arrived in Goma town for a direct meeting with the AFC/M23 rebel group, Kivu Post has learned.
Her visit follows recent meetings with regional leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame on Thursday, February 19, and Burundi’s President Évariste Ndayishimiye with discussions centred on the security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo along with Johan Borgstam, the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region.
According to her X post, Lahbib is in Goma “to assess the humanitarian situation firsthand and push for unhindered humanitarian access.”
“The EU stands with the people. To protect lives and ease suffering,” wrote Lahbib.
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The visit also follows meetings with President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe.
“The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC urgently needs a political solution. All parties must take their responsibility & respect IHL,” Lahbib added. “Our goal: reach tangible outcomes & safe, unhindered humanitarian access.”
Reports indicate that the EU envoy is expected to meet leaders of AFC/M23 this Friday, a group currently controlling significant areas of eastern DRC despite the fact that, as of now, the rebel group has not issued an official statement confirming the talks.
Kivu Post will keep you posted as the situation develops.
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