G7 Foreign Ministers Condemn Atrocities in Great Lakes Region, Call for Immediate Action

In a joint statement released by the G7 Foreign Ministers, the group expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in the Great Lakes region, citing armed violence, human rights violations, and displacement of populations as key issues. The G7 strongly condemned the atrocities committed by armed groups and violations of international law by any parties involved.

Of particular concern to the G7 was the reports of foreign military support for M23 and direct military interventions on Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) territory. The group called for the respect of the DRC’s territorial integrity and stressed the urgent need for immediate, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access to affected populations.

The G7 fully supported the mediation efforts led by Angola and President Joao Lourenço between the DRC and Rwanda and urged both countries to make swift progress in implementing commitments made through the Luanda Process. The current ceasefire, which began on August 4th, was emphasized as needing strict adherence from all parties involved.

Furthermore, the G7 reaffirmed their support for efforts to combat the illegal exploitation of natural resources in the region and promote sustainable and equitable development for the benefit of local populations.

The resolution comes as a call to action for all regional actors to work towards peace, stability, and respect for human rights in the Great Lakes region. The G7 Foreign Ministers have made it clear that they stand united in their condemnation of atrocities and their commitment to finding solutions to the ongoing crisis.