Human Rights Watch (HRW) has taken a critical stance against the European Union (EU) for its lack of decisive action in response to Rwanda’s involvement in supporting the M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to a report by HRW, the EU’s insufficient measures have allowed atrocities in the region to escalate, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In February 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging the EU to freeze direct budget support to Rwanda until the nation halts its backing of the Tutsi-led M23 rebels and grants humanitarian access in the DRC. The resolution also advocated for the suspension of agreements concerning Rwandan strategic minerals until Rwanda stops its interference in Congo. However, the resolution remains non-binding, and the European Commission has yet to enforce these recommendations.
Despite expressing deep concern over the situation, the EU’s actions have not progressed beyond condemnation. In a statement from January 2025, the EU firmly condemned the M23’s advances and Rwanda’s military presence in the DRC, labeling these acts as violations of international law and the DRC’s sovereignty.
HRW has called for the EU to take concrete steps such as suspending financial support or imposing sanctions on Rwanda to enforce compliance. Without tangible measures, HRW warns that the cycle of violence and impunity in eastern DRC is likely to continue, posing ongoing threats to civilian safety and regional stability.
The organization also stressed the importance of the international community prioritizing human rights protection and implementing accountability mechanisms to effectively address the ongoing crisis. The insistence is for the EU to act upon the European Parliament’s recommendations and make financial aid to Rwanda contingent upon ceasing support for armed groups in DRC.
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