COMECE Urges EU to Take Immediate Action in Goma, DRC Crisis
As the European Parliament prepares to vote on a resolution concerning the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), His Eminence Mgr. Mariano Crociata, President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), has made an urgent call for EU and international intervention. His appeal highlights the worsening humanitarian, security, and political situation in the DRC, particularly in Goma, where conflict and exploitation have left millions displaced and in desperate need of assistance.
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Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Goma
Goma, a vital center for humanitarian aid, commerce, and transport in eastern DRC, has descended into chaos following its capture by the M23 rebel group and its allies. According to recent United Nations reports, nearly 3,000 lives have been lost, and over one million people have been forcibly displaced within just a few weeks. Thousands more are taking refuge in overcrowded schools, churches, and makeshift camps, struggling to find basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.
Critical facilities, including church-run hospitals, have been attacked. The Charité Maternelle General Hospital suffered severe damage, leading to the tragic deaths of newborn babies and leaving many civilians injured. Additionally, reports indicate a sharp increase in sexual violence against women and girls, exacerbating an already dire situation. Catholic organizations on the ground describe healthcare facilities overwhelmed and unable to cope with the crushing demand.
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EU Response and Calls for Stronger Measures
While acknowledging the EU’s recent €60 million humanitarian aid package, COMECE stresses the urgent need for greater efforts to ensure that this aid reaches those most in need. Key priorities include:
– Securing unrestricted humanitarian access to conflict zones.
– Protecting civilians, especially women and children, from violence and exploitation.
– Strengthening partnerships with local faith-based organizations that continue to provide essential services such as education, health, and shelter.
Mgr. Crociata also highlights the need to address the root causes of the conflict, including resource exploitation, foreign interference, and long-standing cycles of violence. He endorses peace initiatives like the “Social Pact for Peace and Coexistence in the DRC and the Great Lakes Region”, proposed by Catholic and Protestant Churches, which aims to foster stability, social cohesion, and lasting peace.
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Foreign Interference and Regional Stability at Risk
Foreign involvement in the conflict, particularly Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels, remains a major violation of international law. The rebels’ stated goal of expanding the conflict towards Kinshasa, the DRC’s capital, raises serious concerns about regional stability.
COMECE is urging the EU and the international community to take a firmer stance, including:
– Pressuring foreign actors to cease hostilities and engage in meaningful peace negotiations.
– Safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the DRC.
– Regulating the trade of conflict minerals, as the illegal extraction of resources such as cobalt, coltan, and gold fuels the violence.
To address these economic factors, the EU must enhance transparency in mining operations and strictly enforce due diligence frameworks to prevent unethical trade practices.
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Sanctions and Economic Accountability
COMECE is calling on the European Parliament to support:
– Targeted sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for human rights violations and breaches of international law.
– A reassessment of economic agreements, such as the ‘Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains’, to ensure alignment with ethical standards and accountability measures.
These steps would reinforce the EU’s commitment to justice and human dignity while preventing economic incentives from overshadowing moral responsibilities.
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A Plea for Solidarity and Justice
COMECE remains dedicated to upholding the rights of those suffering in the DRC. The organization has pledged to:
– Monitor developments closely and communicate with EU institutions.
– Support humanitarian efforts through local Church networks.
– Advocate for justice, dignity, and long-term peace.
Pope Francis has emphasized that resolving the conflict requires collective action from both local authorities and the global community. As a leader in humanitarian aid and human rights advocacy, the EU has a unique responsibility to act decisively. By prioritizing diplomacy, accountability, and meaningful cooperation, the EU can help transform this crisis into an opportunity for peace and renewal in the heart of Africa.
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