EU releases over 80 million euros in humanitarian aid for Great Lakes region
The European Union is allocating 81.2 million euros in humanitarian assistance to the Great Lakes region of Africa, European commissioner for crisis management Hadja Lahbib announced during a mission to the region.
Lahbib has been visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi since Monday, seeking commitments to improve humanitarian access through the creation of safe corridors. A key issue is the reopening of Goma International Airport to humanitarian flights. The airport remains under the control of M23 rebels, complicating diplomatic efforts and aid delivery.
Her visit follows discussions among EU foreign ministers at the end of January, where she said she received their “full support”. Belgium is among the member states calling for a “more assertive” European approach to help bring the humanitarian crisis to an end.
During her trip, Lahbib met Congolese prime minister Judith Suminwa to discuss humanitarian corridors in eastern Congo, healthcare provision and the possible appointment of a humanitarian coordinator, according to a statement posted on X. She also held “strategic exchanges” with president Félix Tshisekedi on improving humanitarian access in the conflict-affected east of the country.
The 81.2 million euros, which Lahbib described as a record amount for the region, will be used to provide life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable populations in eastern Congo, as well as to Congolese refugees who have fled the country. Funding will also support humanitarian projects in Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania.
However, the Commission underscored that financial support alone will not be enough. “Money alone will not stop the suffering,” a press release stated. “Aid workers must reach people safely, quickly and without obstacles. International humanitarian aid is not a buffet. You can't pick and choose. It's a duty for all parties, which must be fully respected.”
People transport goods by bicycle in Uvira, a city in South Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
© PHOTO ZANEM NETY ZAIDI / XINHUA
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