French President Emmanuel Macron has announced humanitarian aid and support for the implementation of a peace plan for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which has been plagued by rebel attacks.
France will be the first country to participate in an EU-planned humanitarian airlift to eastern Congo and will increase EU aid from €47 million by a further €34 million, Macron said in Kinshasa on Saturday. The Democratic Republic of Congo must not become a spoil of war and the victim of looting and secession from parts of the country.
The M23 rebels, believed to be supported by Rwanda, have been attacking civilians and the Congolese army in eastern Congo for nearly a year now. The military has repeatedly blamed M23 for killing hundreds of civilians, and the organization Amnesty International speaks of war crimes.
Given the deteriorating humanitarian situation, the EU announced on Saturday an airlift to the eastern Congolese city of Goma. Due to the rebel attacks, 600,000 people fled the region and another 240,000 camped on the outskirts of Goma.
Macron stressed that he is counting on the peace plan prepared in the region, which provides for a ceasefire from Tuesday. “Anyone who opposes the peace plan risks sanctions.”
Fourth stop on the African journey
The Democratic Republic of the Congo was the fourth stop on an Africa trip Macron had previously made to Gabon, Angola and the Republic of the Congo. Before his trip, Macron had emphasized that France, as a former colonial power, was in the process of creating a new relationship with African states on an equal footing.
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, welcomed France’s involvement in his country. If France wants to be active in Africa, it must listen to the African people. “That has to change in the way we work with France and Europe,” he said. “Look at us differently, with respect as true partners and not always with a paternalistic view of always knowing what’s good for us.”
(dsc/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
