Great Lakes region – Conversations between Catherine Colonna and her counterparts from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda (21 November 2023)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna spoke with Christophe Lutundula, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on November 20, and with Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, on November 21.

The minister reaffirmed France’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all the countries of the region. She condemned the current offensives by the M23 movement and expressed her concern over the severe humanitarian repercussions of the current crisis. She emphasized that it is important for the December 20th elections to unfold smoothly, without any kind of destabilization.

The Minister called on the DRC and Rwanda to promote calm and to continue their dialogue, particularly within the regional diplomatic framework of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.

France will continue its support for peace and stability in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.