Washington, DC - Representatives Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa, issued the following statement condemning the M23’s seizure of Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC):  

“The M23’s seizure of Bukavu in South Kivu this weekend further threatens Congolese civilian lives and has displaced thousands as the rebels and allied militias, backed by Rwandan Defense Forces, marched south. Reports of rampant sexual violence and summary executions are completely unacceptable and illustrate the incredible harm inflicted on the Congolese people. 

“The DRC and Rwandan governments must immediately return to the Angolan-mediated ceasefire agreement and reengage in direct talks to de-escalate the conflict and prevent further regional escalation. The United States and other partner governments must take prompt action to ensure accountability for M23 and Rwandan commanders—including for human rights abuses and other crimes—in the absence of progress toward a negotiated solution. 

“United States humanitarian assistance, already approved by Congress, should be flowing to help feed, shelter, and protect civilians devastated by this conflict—more than 2 million of whom have been displaced in the past year. Unfortunately, Trump’s foreign assistance freeze is only exacerbating this crisis, causing unnecessary starvation and death. Though the Administration says waivers for narrow humanitarian activities have been approved, the payment system remains blocked and humanitarian organizations are unable to pay for these critical services. The suspension of U.S. assistance could not have come at a worse time for the Congolese people, and we continue to call on Secretary Rubio to immediately reverse the freeze.”  

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