Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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We remain deeply concerned by the crises affecting the Horn of Africa, in addition to the conflict and humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ireland continues to engage with EU partners on these important issues, including at the Foreign Affairs Council.

Last year alone, Ireland provided over €100 million in assistance to the Horn of Africa, with a focus on addressing the impact of the drought and food insecurity, as well the humanitarian consequences of conflict and instability. We are continuing to provide practical support to the people of Sudan with over €7 million in humanitarian and development aid in 2023, together with additional assistance for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. Earlier this month, Ireland bolstered UNHCR’s emergency Sudanese refugee response with an additional €2 million in assistance. We are supporting diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Sudan, emphasising the need for humanitarian access, a cessation of hostilities, and a clear role for civil society in the country's political future. In October, the EU agreed on a new autonomous sanctions framework, which targets those impeding peace, particularly those who attack civilians and obstruct humanitarian access. At the May and June meetings of the Foreign Affairs Council, Ireland was clear on the need for action in relation to ongoing reports of large scale systematic violence against civilians, including consideration of sanctions. We look forward to further discussions of the situation at the Council.

The DRC has experienced an increase in instability and conflict ahead of national elections scheduled for 20 December 2023. Ireland has worked closely with our EU partners on the development of a new EU strategy for the wider Great Lakes region, which was adopted earlier this year, and we continue to work closely partners on implementing a common approach to the situation in DRC. We have actively contributed to the EU sanctions regime for individuals who commit serious human rights violations and help sustain conflict, instability and insecurityin the DRC. We have provided over €8 million in assistance in DRC this year, over €4.6 million of which was allocated to development and humanitarian programmes operated by Irish NGOs. In addition, we have provided €3.8 million to UNICEF to address child malnutrition in DRC. This year, the EU will provide almost €92 million in humanitarian funding for DRC.