“The European Union must intensify its support for the Democratic Republic of Congo,” stated Guillaume Ngefa, Congolese State Minister, during the Europe Day celebrations in Kinshasa. This appeal comes at a time when the DRC is facing major security challenges, particularly in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.

The minister emphasized that strengthening peace mechanisms and respecting international law are crucial for restoring state authority. “We need a strategic partnership that is beneficial for both parties,” he added, calling for enhanced cooperation between Kinshasa and Brussels.

This appeal occurs as the EU has recently reaffirmed its commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC. In a statement, it condemned the violence perpetrated against civilians in Ituri and North Kivu, declaring its readiness to support any initiative aimed at ending these atrocities.

Tensions in the eastern part of the country, exacerbated by armed groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), continue to severely affect local populations. According to a report from actualite.cd, this violence has led to a significant deterioration of the security situation in the region.

Guillaume Ngefa also stressed the socio-economic issues affecting the country. The minister recalled that Congolese President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi had already highlighted these priorities during a meeting with European ambassadors in May 2019. On that occasion, he emphasized that social and security issues were crucial for the country's development.

As the DRC navigates through multiple crises, the government hopes that this call for increased support will be heard by the EU. Next steps may include in-depth discussions on the modalities of this support during future diplomatic meetings.

In this uncertain context, international cooperation appears more essential than ever to ensure not only regional stability but also sustainable development in the DRC. The ball is now in the European court, which will have to decide how far it is willing to go to support its African partners.