Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South-Central, Sinn Fein)
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187. 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. [15544/25]

Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has experienced conflict over many decades, particularly in the mineral-rich areas of the east of the country. In July 2024, the Africa-led Luanda mediation process resulted in a ceasefire, but in January 2025 the M23 rebels began a major offensive, supported by the Rwanda Defence Force. There have been thousands of killings and huge displacement of people from their homes as a result of the violence.

Ireland and our EU partners have stressed our deep concern. In January, the EU urged the M23 to stop its advance and withdraw immediately. The EU has made clear that Rwanda must cease its support for the M23 and withdraw. In February, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2773, condemning the offensive by the M23 and calling on the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from the DRC without preconditions.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 24 February, Ireland expressed strong concern at the offensive and the dire humanitarian situation, underlining the risk of a regionalisation of the conflict. On 17 March, the EU adopted restrictive measures in respect of five senior leaders of M23 and several Rwandan military and other figures.

The EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region has been visiting the region and this month met in DRC with the President and the Foreign Minister The EU has conveyed concern to the Ambassador of Rwanda to the EU. Here, the Department of Foreign Affairs has expressed Ireland strong concerns to the Ambassador of Rwanda to Ireland, who is based in London, emphasising that Rwanda’s security concerns should be addressed through the established mediation processes. We welcome the deliberations at regional African summits in February and March and the meeting of the Presidents of Rwanda and DRC on 18 March. We will continue to support and encourage Africa-led peace initiatives on the conflict.

Since 2023, Ireland has provided over €17 million in development and humanitarian assistance for DRC. This is in addition to €8 million provided to address severe child malnutrition in DRC. We intend to provide at least as much assistance this year.