The European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, has ended a tour of the Great Lakes region with a visit to Goma, warning of serious humanitarian concerns.
It was the first visit by a European delegation to Goma since the city was taken in January 2025 by M23 / AFC rebels during a rapid offensive.
After visiting hospitals and meeting local officials, Lahbib said there are “increasing and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law.” She also met Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and Paul Kagame in Kigali as part of efforts to ease regional tensions.
In Goma, Lahbib held talks with M23/AFC representatives and said there were signs the group may be open to dialogue and a ceasefire. Reports also indicate that M23 has agreed to release prisoners captured from pro-government militias and Congolese forces.
The visit highlights growing international concern over the humanitarian and security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
SOURCE: AFRICA NEWS
