Resolution on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Council adopted the conclusions on Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the main ones being as follows:

(1) it remains gravely concerned about the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The withdrawal of the M23 from Goma is just a first step in re-establishing stability and tackling the intolerable suffering inflicted upon the people in the eastern DRC. The European Union

·        condemns all human rights violations and calls for those responsible to be held accountable;

·        reiterates that external support to the M23 is unacceptable and calls on those concerned to cease any such support;

·        calls upon the Government of the DRC to promote effective efforts to establish security and the rule of law in the east.

(2) the EU welcomes:

·        the high level contacts between Presidents Kabila of DRC, Kagame of Rwanda and Museveni of Uganda and the engagement of the ICGLR and the African Union and calls upon all states and organisations in the region to intensify their dialogue, to work constructively to implement agreements and to address impunity;

·        UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 2076 and 2078, including the renewal of the arms embargo and of the sanctions against armed groups and the leadership of M23. It awaits the Security Council’s conclusions on the reports of external support to the M23 and proposals from the UN Secretary-General on how MONUSCO can best implement its mandate.

Lastly, the EU reiterates its willingness to support the ICGLR Extended Joint Verification Mechanism.