European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib visited Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Friday, condemning the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation amid ongoing conflict and urging respect for international law. The trip marked the first time a European delegation has travelled to the city since M23/AFC rebels seized control during a rapid offensive in January 2025.
Lahbib, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, concluded a tour of the Great Lakes region in Goma. Her visit included stops at local hospitals and meetings with officials, providing a first-hand assessment of the crisis. She stated there are “increasing and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law,” underscoring the severity of the situation for civilians caught in the fighting.
Her itinerary followed high-level diplomatic engagements. In Kinshasa, she met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi. She then held talks in Kigali with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a move reflecting the regional dimensions of the conflict, as Rwanda is widely accused of supporting the M23/AFC coalition, a charge it denies.
In Goma, Commissioner Lahbib held direct discussions with representatives from the M23/AFC. She noted emerging signs that the rebel movement was inclined “forwards, towards dialogue, peace, towards a ceasefire.” This assessment coincided with reports that the M23 had agreed to release prisoners captured from the Wazalendo militia and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), a potential confidence-building measure.
The visit places the European Union squarely in the diplomatic effort to de-escalate a war that has triggered a major humanitarian emergency in North Kivu province. Goma, a major humanitarian hub, remains a focal point of both military operations and aid delivery. Lahbib’s presence and her call for accountability highlight international concern over the conflict’s impact and the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities to allow relief access and protect civilians. The EU’s dual approach of engaging with all parties while publicly decrying law violations signals a continued push for a negotiated resolution to the crisis in eastern DRC.
