Joint Statement on the Invasion andHumanitarian Crisis in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
By the Congolese Circle of Professionals (COCIPRO) and the Congolese Group of Doctors (CONDADA),
20th March 2025
We, the Congolese Circle of Professionals (COCIPRO) and the Congolese Group of Doctors (CONDADA), express our deep concern over the ongoing invasion of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC). This aggression has resulted in mass displacement of an estimated 400,000 local inhabitants, indiscriminate violence including summary execution in churches and displacement camps, and the collapse of essential services such as neonatal and maternal units of major district hospitals, as well as the destruction of prisons, schools and universities leaving over 7 million men, women and children in dire need of urgent humanitarian assistance in the form of security, nutrition and medical aid.
The people of Eastern Congo are facing an existential crisis. Entire communities have been destroyed, families torn apart, and basic human rights violated. Women and children are disproportionately affected, with many being subjected to sexual violence, forced recruitment, and extreme deprivation. As Congolese professionals, medical practitioners, and humanitarian advocates, we stand in solidarity with all those suffering under this relentless assault.
We call upon all relevant actors,including regional leaders, international organizations, and global powers, to take decisive action to end this invasion, protect civilians, and restore peace to our homeland. The ongoing violence is not just a Congolese issue; it is ahumanitarian crisis that demands global attention and immediate intervention.
Despite the immense challenges, we remain committed to supporting our communities in any way possible. Through medical aid, advocacy, and collaboration with humanitarian organizations, we will continue working to alleviate suffering and provide care to those in need. However, the scale and scope of this crisis surpasses our immediate capacity, and urgent external assistance is required.
We unequivocally condemn the invasion of Eastern Congo, and the atrocities committed against innocent civilians. The forced conscription of men, extrajudicial killings, targeted attacks on hospitals, and use of sexual violence as a weapon of war are crimes against humanity. These acts violate international law, and those responsible must be held accountable.
We urge regional and international governments, international institutions, and humanitarian agencies, professional organisations and academic bodies to:
• Condemn the invasion and hold aggressors accountable through diplomatic and legal means.
• Increase emergency humanitarian aid to provide food, medical care, and shelter to displaced populations.
• Support healthcare systems by supplying medical equipment, personnel, and funding to overwhelmed hospitals.
• Demand justice for war crimes by investigating and prosecuting perpetrators.
• Push for a sustainable peace process that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures long-term stability.
• Support the boycotting, divestment and sanctioning of high-level perpetrators and any sponsors found to be behind this invasion, the illicit trade of conflict minerals and the war crimes being committed in the DRC.
This statement is rooted in verifiable facts and the lived experiences of those affected. The invasion and its consequences are well-documented by humanitarian organizations, journalists, and local communities. We call on all media and global institutions to amplify the truth and counter misinformation that distorts the reality on the ground.
The people of Eastern Congo cannot continue to suffer in silence. The world must act now to stop the ongoing atrocities and prevent further loss of life. The time for solidarity and meaningful intervention is now.
By COCIPRO AND CONDADA
APPENDIX 1
1) https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violence-democratic-republic-congo
11/02/25, Details on the origins of conflict from 1996.
2) https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgly1yrd9j3o
16/02/25, 30-year timeline of conflict.
3) https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/13/as-the-drc-battles-rwanda-backed-m23-whats-needed-to-stop-the-fighting
13/02/25, Expansion of conflict from North to South Kivu.
4) https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/28/rwanda-congo-invasion-africa-conflict/
28/02/25, History of repeated territorial violations by Rwanda in DRC.
16/06/24, Evidence from UN expert group.
6) https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20250127-un-chief-rwandan-dr-congo
27/01/25, UN Secretary's position on Rwandan troops in DRC.
7) https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-chief-speaks-with-drc-rwanda-leaders-over-eastern-congo-violence-2025-01-28/
28/01/25, US Position on Rwandan soldiers and M23 in Eastern Congo.
03/02/25, Links between international donors and war in DR Congo.
9) https://www.brusselstimes.com/332879/eu-funding-of-rwandan-military-called-into-question-amid-drc-violence
07/12/22, EU funding of Rwandan Military.
10) https://www.theafricareport.com/375904/drc-rwanda-rubaya-coltan-mine-at-the-heart-of-m23-financing/
06/02/25, Blood minerals financing M23.
11) https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-statement-on-response-to-the-situation-in-eastern-drc#:~:text=The%20UK%20calls%20for%20an,Defence%20Forces%20from%20Congolese%20territory.
25/02/25, UK Foreign secretary's statement.
12) https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/sb0022
20/02/25, US places sanctions on key players behind the conflict.
13) https://www.euronews.com/2025/03/17/rwanda-expels-belgian-diplomats-amid-row-over-drc-fighting
17/03/25, Rwanda Severs diplomatic ties with Belgium
14) https://www.politico.eu/article/rwanda-and-belgium-cut-ties-as-eu-ministers-adopt-sanctions/
17/03/25, More international sanctions against Rwanda.
15) https://mofa.gov.qa/en/latest-articles/statements/joint-statement-between-the-state-of-qatar--the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo--and-the-republic-of-rwanda
18/03/25, Qatar hosts Rwandan and DRC President for peace talks.