On the targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: defending religious freedom and security
B-10-2025-0211
on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Hilde Vautmans, Abir AlSahlani, Dan Barna, Urmas Paet, Yvan Verougstraete
Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.
This resolution condemns the occupation of eastern DRC by M23 and Rwandan forces, urges Rwanda to withdraw, and calls for an immediate ceasefire and implementation of peace processes.¶¶ It demands an end to violence, including sexual violence and attacks on Christians, and calls for prosecution of war crimes and protection of religious communities.¶¶¶ It calls for increased humanitarian aid, expanded EU sanctions, stricter enforcement of conflict mineral regulations, and intensified diplomatic efforts.¶¶¶
Key points
- Expresses deep concern over the worsening security and humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC.¶
- Strongly condemns the occupation of Goma and other territories by M23 and the RDF, urges Rwanda to withdraw troops and cease cooperation with M23, and demands all state actors stop supporting M23.¶
- Calls for an immediate and effective ceasefire and full implementation of diplomatic agreements, including the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.¶
- Is appalled by sexual violence against women and girls and recruitment of child soldiers, demands international action, and reiterates that attacks against UN-mandated forces may be war crimes.¶
- Calls for an end to mass killings and rape as a weapon of war, and for DRC and Rwanda to investigate and prosecute war crimes, including attacks on Christians and places of worship.¶
- Calls on the DRC Government to implement security sector reforms, prevent atrocities, end support for abusive armed groups, ensure accountability, and address hate speech and incitement.¶
- Calls on the Commission and Member States to increase humanitarian aid for displaced persons and vulnerable communities, ensuring access to food, medical care, and shelter.¶
- Supports further targeted EU sanctions against those responsible for violence, abuses, and resource exploitation, and calls on the Council to expand sanctions to include Major General Emmy K. Ruvusha.¶
- Calls for stricter enforcement of EU conflict minerals regulations, suspension of the Memorandum of Understanding with Rwanda and support for projects with the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, and requests detailed mapping of projects.¶
- Calls on the Commission and the EEAS to intensify diplomatic efforts with regional partners, including the African Union, East African Community, and United Nations.¶
- Expresses concern over foreign interference and calls for an independent investigation into external support for armed groups.¶
Who is affected
- Rwanda: must withdraw troops from DRC and cease support for M23.¶
- DRC Government: must implement reforms, protect civilians and religious communities, and prosecute perpetrators.¶
- EU institutions: must increase aid, expand sanctions, enforce regulations, and intensify diplomacy.¶¶¶
- Christians and religious communities in eastern DRC: targeted attacks must end and their places of worship protected.¶¶