Human Rights Watch criticized the EU for not acting on Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels in eastern DRC. The European Parliament’s resolution in February 2025 urged budget support freezes and mineral agreement suspensions until Rwanda ceases its backing of armed groups. HRW warns that without concrete actions, the humanitarian crisis and violence will continue unabated.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized the European Union (EU) for its insufficient response to Rwanda’s support for the M23 rebels, contributing to ongoing human rights abuses in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite the European Parliament’s non-binding resolution in February 2025, which called for a freeze on budget support to Rwanda until it ceases aiding the M23, the EU has yet to enforce these recommendations.
The resolution also suggested suspending agreements on Rwandan strategic minerals until the country halts its interference in Congo. However, HRW argues that the EU’s inaction fails to hold perpetrators accountable and addresses the deteriorating humanitarian crisis where the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have captured crucial cities like Bukavu and Goma. This has resulted in mass displacements and egregious human rights violations, including child executions and the sexual assault of women.
Although the EU has expressed concern regarding Rwanda’s military engagement in the DRC, it has not implemented concrete measures such as financial sanctions or aid suspension to pressure the Rwandan government. On January 2025, the EU condemned the actions of the M23 and Rwanda’s military presence, calling for an immediate end to hostilities and for Rwanda to withdraw its support. Yet, HRW reiterates that without actionable steps, the cycle of violence is likely to persist, threatening regional stability.
HRW urged the EU to align its actions with its declarations by enforcing the parliament’s recommendations regarding aid to Rwanda. The organization also emphasized that the international community must prioritize human rights protection and accountability measures to combat the ongoing crisis in the DRC.
In summary, Human Rights Watch has called upon the EU to take decisive action against Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebels in the DRC. By advocating for the implementation of binding measures and prioritizing human rights, the organization stresses the need for actionable responses to prevent further atrocities and stabilize the region. The continued inaction risks perpetuating a cycle of violence and suffering amongst civilians in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
