EU commissioner calls eastern DR Congo crisis “catastrophic” during Goma visit
Edited By: Tendai Zola
EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib has described the humanitarian situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as “catastrophic” during a visit to the conflict-affected city of Goma, where fighting between armed groups and government forces continues.
The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management concluded a regional tour of the Great Lakes area in Goma on Friday, calling for greater international attention to the worsening humanitarian crisis and for strict respect of international humanitarian law.
Her trip marked the first visit by a European delegation to Goma since the city fell under the control of M23/AFC rebels following a rapid offensive in January 2025. While on the ground, Lahbib visited hospitals, met local officials and warned of “increasing and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law.”
The commissioner also held high-level diplomatic meetings during the tour, including talks with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali, reflecting regional efforts to ease tensions linked to the conflict.
In Goma, Lahbib met representatives of the M23/AFC movement and noted indications that the group may be open to dialogue, peace negotiations and a potential ceasefire. Her remarks came as the rebels reportedly agreed to release prisoners captured from pro-government Wazalendo militias and the Congolese armed forces.
The visit underscores mounting international concern over the humanitarian toll of the conflict, which has displaced large numbers of civilians and strained already fragile health and aid systems in eastern Congo.
