Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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130. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo; if he will instruct his Department to work with international partners to help bring an end to it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12285/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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We are continuing to monitor the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which 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 seen thousands killed, hundreds of thousands displaced, and a significant worsening of the humanitarian situation.

Ireland and our European Union partners have expressed deep concern at 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 in February that called for the rapid, safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 February, Ireland expressed strong concern at the M23 offensive, as well as the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, and underlined the risk of a regionalisation of the conflict.

Following this meeting, additional sanctions listings concerning the situation in DRC are being progressed, and the EU's Special Representative has visited the region. The EU has conveyed its concerns to the Ambassador of Rwanda to the European Union on the ongoing offensive of the RDF and M23 in the eastern DRC. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also engaged with the Ambassador of Rwanda to Ireland, who is based in London, to express Ireland’s strong concerns at the unacceptable actions of Rwanda in eastern DRC, while noting that Rwanda’s security concerns should be addressed through the established mediation processes. Ireland will continues to engage with EU and international partners in support of Africa-led peace initiatives in relation to DRC.

Ireland has provided over €17 million since 2023 for development and humanitarian assistance in DRC. This is in addition to almost €8 million to address child malnutrition in DRC, as part of a global programme. I expect that a similar level of assistance will be provided this year.