The European Union has announced that it is urgently considering all options in response to the expanding rebel offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as forces reportedly backed by Rwanda seized a second major city.
M23 fighters, who captured the key provincial capital of Goma last month, have pushed southward, taking control of Kavumu airport and advancing unchecked into Bukavu on Friday, according to security and humanitarian sources. The escalating situation has raised alarms within the international community, with the EU condemning the actions of the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
European Commission spokesman Anouar El Anouni expressed concerns, stating on X, “Alarmed by news of Rwandan backed M23 forces seizing Kavumu airport and entering Bukavu, ignoring international appeals for ceasefire.”
This warning comes as the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, addresses the growing tensions, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizing that regional escalation must be avoided at all costs.
The European Parliament recently called for action, urging the EU to suspend a minerals deal with Rwanda in response to Kigali’s alleged involvement in the offensive. Lawmakers in Strasbourg approved a non-binding resolution that also recommended freezing direct budget support and military assistance to Rwanda.
While Rwanda denies supporting the M23 rebels militarily, it has accused extremist Hutu groups in DR Congo of threatening its security. A UN report last year stated that Rwanda had deployed around 4,000 troops in DR Congo and had effective control over the rebel group.
The conflict has led to significant loss of life and displacement, with thousands killed and many more forced from their homes.
