On 4 May 2026, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič (the speaker is actually Hadja Lahbib, but the metadata says Lahbib; I will use Lahbib) debriefed the European Parliament on her recent mission to the Great Lakes region, detailing concrete humanitarian gains including a newly operational southern corridor and the start of technical talks to reopen Goma airport. Lahbib described the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as catastrophic, with millions displaced since M23 seized Goma and Bukavu. She stressed that international humanitarian law must be respected by all parties and that the EU is pursuing both humanitarian and political solutions.
Lahbib visited Kinshasa, Burundi, Rwanda, and Goma—the first EU delegation to the city since its capture. She met with three presidents, ministers, humanitarian workers, civil society, refugees, and even AFC/M23 representatives, arguing that when lives are at stake, speaking to all parties is a legitimate humanitarian choice. Her message was consistent: protect civilians and aid workers, allow humanitarian access.
Concrete outcomes from the mission include a follow-up Task Force co-chaired with the DRC Prime Minister to improve water, medicines, and vaccine delivery in M23-controlled areas. A northern corridor between Beni and Goma is already functioning, and after sustained advocacy, Lahbib secured agreement for a southern corridor from Bukavu to Uvira, with first convoys moving since early April. Additionally, AFC/M23 agreed to begin technical talks on reopening Goma airport for humanitarian flights; EU aviation experts are now on the ground assessing feasibility. The ICRC facilitated the release of around 400 women, minors, and wounded FARDC personnel.
Lahbib reiterated that the EU remains the largest humanitarian donor in the DRC, having allocated over €81 million this year for food, healthcare, water, shelter, and protection. The EU also runs humanitarian air bridges and local airlifts. However, she emphasised that aid alone cannot solve the crisis—only a political solution will. EU Foreign Ministers have intensified high-level diplomatic outreach, supporting peace efforts led by the US, Qatar, and the African Union. The EU stands ready to increase support for AU-led mediation.
around €174 million under the current budget supports DRC health sector; over €35 million since 2019 has gone to justice reform; a €6 million programme helps communities resolve conflicts peacefully; and a €20 million flagship programme addresses gender-based violence. Through partner ENABEL, over €18 million provides protection and economic opportunities in provinces like Ituri and South Kivu.
Lahbib warned that implementation on the ground remains fragile. Aid organisations face double taxation and competing demands, slowing assistance at a time of shrinking global humanitarian funding. She condemned the killing of a UNICEF colleague in a drone attack in Goma, insisting humanitarian workers must be protected. The coming months will test whether all parties honour their commitments; if not, more humanitarian diplomacy will follow. Lahbib pledged to keep Parliament informed and called for sustained action, not just headline moments.
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