Great Lakes Crisis Returns to EU Foreign Ministers’ Agenda

Brussels, January 27, 2026 - The ongoing crisis in the Great Lakes region is back at the center of attention for the European Union (EU), as a meeting of EU foreign ministers is scheduled for Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Brussels with the security and humanitarian situation in the region as the main agenda item.

The announcement comes amid the first anniversary of Goma’s occupation by the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebellion and follows recent interventions by the United States and Qatar to mediate the crisis between Kinshasa and Kigali and between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23.

The EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, Johan Borgstam, met with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa in Kinshasa on Monday, January 26, 2026, to discuss priorities ahead of the Brussels meeting. Borgstam emphasized the EU’s commitment to the DRC and stressed the importance of understanding the humanitarian and security needs on the ground.

“This visit allows the Prime Minister to convey relevant messages to the European ministers on January 29. It’s about demonstrating the EU as a supportive, reliable, and predictable partner for the DRC,” Borgstam said.

The EU is currently the largest humanitarian partner in the Great Lakes region, financing programs for agencies such as UNHCR and WFP, and supporting refugee camps, including the Busuma camp in Burundi, which hosts 68,000 Congolese refugees. Borgstam highlighted recent deliveries of 73 tons of humanitarian supplies, reflecting the EU’s concrete support for displaced populations.

In addition to humanitarian assistance, the EU has played a significant role in sanctions against individuals linked to the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and the M23 rebellion, following the occupation of Goma and Bukavu. Among those sanctioned are:

Ruki Karusisi, commander of the RDF special forces in eastern DRC

Eugène Nkubito, commander of RDF’s 3rd Division deployed in North Kivu

Brigadier General Pascal Muhizi, commander of RDF’s 2nd Division

Bertrand Bisimwa, president of M23

Désiré Rukomera, responsible for recruitment and propaganda

John Imani Nzenze, M23 colonel

Jean-Bosco Nzabonimpa Mupenzi, deputy finance chief of M23

Jean Bahati Musanga, former finance head and current governor of the rebellion’s administration in Goma

Borgstam warned that, despite diplomatic processes such as the US-led Washington process and Qatar’s Doha talks, the situation on the ground remains tense. Violence continues to escalate, and mutual accusations of non-compliance with agreements persist between the DRC, Rwanda, and the AFC/M23.

The upcoming EU foreign ministers’ meeting will serve as an opportunity to reassess the Great Lakes crisis, reaffirm support for humanitarian operations, and maintain international pressure on parties involved to respect commitments and restore peace and stability in the region.