19 11 12 – EUROPEAN UNION Council conclusions on the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
strongly condemns the resumption of hostilities by M23. It demands an
immediate
end to the
military offensive in North Kivu. The EU
expresses its grave concern about the
urgent
security and humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC and the vast challenge it
poses for
the
security and stability of the Great Lakes Region.
2. The EU
reiterates its condemnation of the M23 rebel group and other armed groups in
the
area and
demands the immediate cessation of violence, including sexual violence,
human
rights
abuses and the recruitment of child soldiers. The EU strongly condemns the steps
taken
by the M23
to establish a parallel administration in the zones it
controls.
3. Efforts
to undermine the security, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC
cannot be
tolerated.
The EU takes note of the report of the UN Group of Experts to the
Sanctions
Committee
1533 and is deeply concerned at reports of continued external support to
rebel
groups in
the eastern DRC. It calls on those concerned to cease all such support
immediately
and to
respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. In coordination
with other
members of
the International Community, the EU will consider appropriate follow-up steps
to
deliberations in the UN Security Council, as well as
measures to encourage a constructive
attitude of
the regional actors.
4. It is
also essential that the Government of the DRC promotes effective efforts to
establish
security,
the rule of law and effective administration throughout the eastern DRC and
takes
measures to
ensure the full protection of civilians. In that context, the EU calls upon
the
Government
to speed up the vital process of comprehensive reform of the security
sector
which the
EU supports through its two CSDP missions EUSEC and
EUPOL.
5. The EU
remains gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation in the eastern
DRC
where well
over 650,000 people have been displaced since April 2012. The recent
military
offensive
will increase the risks of an uncontrolled humanitarian crisis. The EU calls on
all
parties,
including neighbouring countries, to fulfil their obligations in relation to
access for
humanitarian agencies responding to the needs of the
affected civilian population.
6. All
those responsible for violence against civilians, in particular women and
children,
including
acts of sexual violence must be held accountable. The EU also
encourages
MONUSCO to
play an active role in the crisis as per its mandate. Its role, in support of
the
Government
of the DRC, is determinant as regards the protection of civilians and any effort
to
undermine
MONUSCO’s ability to implement its mandate is
unacceptable.
7. The EU
stresses that a military solution to the ongoing conflict is not sustainable. It
welcomes
efforts by
the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the
African
Union and the UN to find a
lasting political solution to the current crisis in the eastern
DRC.
It calls on
all stakeholders, including neighbouring countries, to exert all possible
influence
and take
necessary steps to avoid further deterioration of the situation and to prevent
the
conflict
extending to other factions and areas.
8. The EU
supports the appointment of an AU special envoy and invites the UN
Secretary-
General to
examine the possibility of appointing a special representative to facilitate
regional
dialogue to
address both the immediate crisis and to find a sustainable political solution
with
the region
addressing the root causes of the conflict. The EU will continue to support
the
ICGLR
Extended Joint Verification Mechanism and encourages intensified cooperation
on
operational
issues with MONUSCO.
9. With a
view to promoting and supporting coordinated national, regional and
international
efforts,
the Council invites the High Representative and Commission to bring
forward
proposals
for a strategic EU approach to the multi-faceted security and
development
challenges
facing the eastern DRC."