EU joins efforts to address DRC crisis

ARUSHA: THE European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Great Lakes Region, Johan Borgstam is in Tanzania for a high-level talk on the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) crisis.

Borgstam arrived in Tanzania on Monday for a fourday visit as part of a broader mission to the region, which has also included visits to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, DRC and Ethiopia.

According to a statement released by the European Union (EU), Borgstam has engaged in high-level discussions with Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, East African Community (EAC) Secretary General Veronica Nduva, high-level diplomatic representatives and civil society organisations.

In Arusha, Borgstam will also engage with the board of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

Tanzania plays a key role in supporting regional solutions for the ongoing crisis in the Great Lakes, notably eastern DRC.

Discussions focused on the urgent need for a cease-fire and for coordinated international action to tackle the humanitarian crisis and de-escalate tensions.

The European Union recognises the primary importance of regional political processes and is committed to strengthening its support for these efforts.

Commenting on the visit, EUSR Borgstam said, “The European Union is deeply concerned by the escalation of the conflict in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, worsened by the continued offensive of the M23 forces. We strongly condemn this violation of international norms and principles. Both sides have a shared responsibility in ensuring that human rights violations stop and to facilitate the securing of humanitarian access to distressed populations. There is an urgent need for a cease-fire and a strengthened regional response to address the crisis. We commend the leadership of both the EAC and the SADC and expect the outcome of the joint summit held on February 8 to be implemented. Tanzania plays a crucial role in this effort and I appreciate the constructive discussions with Tanzanian authorities,” he said.

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EU Ambassador to Tanzania and the East African Community, Christine Grau, said, “EUSR Borgstam’s visit to Tanzania comes at a critical time amidst the escalating crisis in eastern DRC. This visit underscores the important role Tanzania can play in addressing the crisis.  It also highlights the EU’s ongoing commitment to peace, stability and security in the region, while reaffirming the strong partnership and shared commitments between Tanzania and the EU.”

Appointed as European Union Special Representative (EUSR) on September 1st last year, EUSR Borgstam’s mandate is to support the implementation of the renewed EU Great Lakes Strategy.

Key objectives include to contribute to peace, stability and security in the Great Lakes region, by promoting de-escalation of tensions and supporting dialogue and long-term regional solutions to crisis and conflicts, in particular in Eastern DRC; and to contribute to the regional efforts to transform the root causes of insecurity and instability into shared opportunities, unlocking the region’s full potential.

EUSR Borgstam previously visited Tanzania from January 16 to 18 this year and held high-level discussions with the Minister for Defence and National Service, Stergomena Tax, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Cosato Chumi, former President Jakaya Kikwete, as well as prominent members of the diplomatic community, academia and civil society representatives in Tanzania.