Hadja Lahbib Visits Goma, Calls Humanitarian Situation “Catastrophic”
- Southerton Business Times
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib has described the humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as “catastrophic” following a high-level visit to the conflict-hit city of Goma.
Lahbib concluded her regional tour of the Great Lakes area in Goma on Friday, marking the first visit by a European Union delegation to the city since it was seized by the March 23 Movement (M23), also known as M23/AFC, during a rapid offensive in January 2025.
Rising Violations of Humanitarian Law
During her visit, the Commissioner toured hospitals and met local officials and humanitarian partners, raising alarm over what she termed “increasing and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law.”
“The situation is catastrophic,” Lahbib said, urging all parties to respect civilian protection norms and allow unimpeded humanitarian access.
Medical workers in Goma told local media that health facilities are overwhelmed by casualties from renewed clashes between M23 fighters, pro-government Wazalendo militias, and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC). An aid worker present during Lahbib’s hospital visit described the crisis as “one of the most complex displacement emergencies in the region.”
High-Level Regional Engagement
Before she arrived in Goma, Lahbib met with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi in Kinshasa. Discussions reportedly focused on humanitarian support, civilian protection, and diplomatic efforts to stabilise eastern Congo. She also held talks in Kigali with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, amid ongoing regional tensions and allegations of cross-border involvement in the conflict claims Rwanda has consistently denied.
In Goma, Lahbib met representatives of the M23/AFC movement, signalling the EU’s willingness to engage all stakeholders in pursuit of de-escalation. She noted there were indications the group wanted to move “forwards, towards dialogue, peace, towards a ceasefire.”
Her comments came as M23 reportedly agreed to release prisoners captured from the Wazalendo militia and Congolese armed forces, a potential confidence-building step in a fragile environment.
Regional Implications
Eastern DRC has long been plagued by armed conflict involving multiple rebel groups vying for territorial control in mineral-rich areas. Analysts say the latest escalation has heightened fears of broader regional instability within the Great Lakes region. Security analyst Jean-Baptiste Mugenzi told Southerton Business Times that the EU’s visible engagement “sends a message that the international community is closely monitoring developments and expects compliance with humanitarian norms.”
As fighting continues, Lahbib reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting humanitarian operations and diplomatic initiatives aimed at achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace in eastern Congo.
Hadja Lahbib Goma humanitarian crisis
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