Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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59. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagements regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis and war in Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4872/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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Almost two years of conflict has plunged Sudan into a catastrophic crisis of hunger and displacement. Over 11.5 million people have been displaced from their homes, and a further 3.4 million have fled to neighbouring countries. The war has crippled Sudan's economy, leaving over 24 million people in acute food insecurity, with some facing famine.

We are gravely concerned by the scale of this appalling humanitarian crisis. This catastrophe is man-made, caused by conflict, forced displacement, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid. Working with like-minded states, Ireland has supported strong EU messaging on Sudan, emphasising the need for a ceasefire, humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and accountability for human rights abuse.

At the European Union in 2023 Ireland initiated discussion on sanctions, with the EU subsequently adopting three rounds of sanctions targeting individuals and entities directly involved in the conflict. Ireland also proposed EU Council Conclusions on Sudan in October 2024, which condemned indiscriminate and direct targeting of civilians, called on parties to abide by their obligations under international law, and called for an immediate ceasefire and sustainable resolution of the conflict through dialogue.

In 2024, Ireland channelled over €14 million in humanitarian assistance for the Sudan crisis through UN agencies and International and Irish NGOs. This included €11.5 million within Sudan and €2.5 million in support of Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries. Recognising the disproportionate impact that this conflict has had on women and girls, part of Ireland’s humanitarian aid to Sudan in 2024 included a contribution to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to provide women and girls in Sudan and neighbouring countries with life-saving reproductive health and protection services. We will provide significant additional funding this year.

The Government will continue to work with our European and multilateral partners to facilitate a scaled up humanitarian response, to work for a ceasefire and a civilian-led transition and to support accountability mechanisms that will bring peace and justice to the people of Sudan.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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60. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his engagements regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis and war in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4873/25]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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88. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his engagements with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in light of the current conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5215/25]

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade for an update on his engagements regarding the escalating situation and efforts to alleviate the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5216/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 60, 88 and 89 together.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced conflict over many decades, with increasing insecurity and violence in the mineral-rich areas of the east of the country. In July 2024, the Africa-led Luanda process resulted in a ceasefire which significantly reduced the level of armed conflict. However, in January 2025 the M23 militia commenced a major offensive in eastern DRC supported by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). This renewed offensive has had a considerable impact on the already harsh humanitarian situation. Ireland is accredited to DRC through our Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The Ambassador and officials from the Embassy maintain contact with government and other contacts in DRC and report regularly on the situation in the country.

Ireland and our European Union partners expressed deep concern at recent developments, including in an EU statement on 25 January that urged the M23 to stop its advance and withdraw immediately. It also restated that Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 and withdraw. The EU joined with the G7 and others in a further statement on 3 February that also called for the rapid, safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians.

Ireland continues to engage on DRC at the United Nations, including at the Human Rights Council, and in the context of the European Union. We are working with EU partners on taking appropriate measures to address this situation and look forward to further consideration of options at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council. Earlier, Ireland worked on the development of a new EU strategy for the wider Great Lakes region, which was adopted in 2023. We were also actively involved in the reappointment of an EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region.

Ireland has provided over €17 million since 2023 to civil society partners and for humanitarian assistance in DRC. This is in addition to continued Irish Aid funding to address child malnutrition as part of a global programme, with almost €8 million provided for DRC in 2023-24 and a further €3.9 million earmarked for 2025.