Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2023
22. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the engagements he has had with his European counterparts in relation to the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50149/23]
View answerThe Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced periodic conflict over many decades, with an increase in insecurity and violence in eastern DRC in recent months, ahead of elections due to take place in December 2023.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC is driven by a number of factors, including competing attempts by armed groups to control the rich mineral resources of the region. Ireland has stressed the importance of regional efforts to address this situation.
We worked closely with our EU partners on the development of a new EU strategy for the wider Great Lakes region that was adopted earlier this year, with a particular focus on the eastern provinces of the DRC. Ireland has worked closely with EU partners on implementing a common approach. Ireland has also actively contributed to agreement on the sanctions regime in respect of DRC. The EU has restrictive measures in place in respect of individuals for acts that constitute serious human rights violations and abuses and for sustaining the armed conflict, instability and insecurity in the DRC. The listings include individuals in non-state armed groups active in the Eastern and North Eastern part of the country, the Congolese Armed Forces and the Rwanda Defence Force.
We fully support the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries in the region and condemn any support to local or foreign armed groups. Ireland has also emphasised the importance of the engagement of national and regional organisations in promoting peace and stability. We welcome the efforts of the East African Community Heads of State Conclave, including the Nairobi peace process, as well as the contribution by Angola and Kenya to advancing a peaceful resolution. Ireland will continue to highlight the importance of the ongoing implementation of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region, and encourage implementation of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region Roadmap. We welcome the renewed calls in the region for a ceasefire, including this month by the leaders of the Southern African Development Community.
Almost 27 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in DRC. There are an estimated 6.9 million people internally displaced, and over a million refugees from the DRC in neighbouring countries. Given the instability in the region, the DRC itself hosts more than half a million refugees.
Ireland is directly providing over €8 million this year in response to the situation in DRC. Over €4.6 million has been allocated to long-term development and chronic humanitarian crisis programmes by Irish NGOs. Five partners (Christian Aid Ireland, Concern Worldwide, Oxfam Ireland, Trócaire and World Vision Ireland) are operating in DRC. In addition, some €3.8 million of Irish funding to UNICEF to address child malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa is earmarked for DRC.
This year, the EU will provide almost €92 million in humanitarian funding to address the needs of the most vulnerable people in the DRC.
