Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, visited Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Friday, describing the humanitarian situation amid ongoing fighting as “catastrophic.”
First EU Delegation Visit Since Rebel Offensive
The visit marked the first time a European delegation has travelled to Goma since the city was seized by M23/AFC rebels during a rapid offensive in January 2025. Lahbib toured hospitals, met local officials, and urged respect for international humanitarian law, warning of “increasing and flagrant violations.”
Regional Diplomacy
During her tour of the Great Lakes region, Lahbib met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa and held talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Kigali. In Goma, she also engaged with representatives of the M23/AFC movement, noting signs of willingness to move “towards dialogue, peace, towards a ceasefire.”
Her comments came as reports emerged that M23 had agreed to release prisoners captured from the Wazalendo militia and the Congolese armed forces, a gesture seen as a potential step toward de-escalation.
Humanitarian Concerns
The Commissioner emphasized the urgent need for international awareness of the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, where civilians continue to suffer from displacement, violence, and lack of access to basic services.
Conclusion
Lahbib’s visit underscores the EU’s growing engagement in the Great Lakes region at a time of heightened instability. While her calls for dialogue and respect for humanitarian law offer cautious optimism, the situation in Goma remains precarious, with millions of civilians caught in the crossfire of a conflict that shows little sign of resolution.
