Tshisekedi Mobilizes Govt After Paris Conference Secures €1.5 Billion for Eastern DRC
DRC Secures €1.5 Billion for Eastern Crisis: Tshisekedi Orders Rapid Action After Paris Peace Conference
During the Council of Ministers meeting on Friday, November 14, President Félix Tshisekedi reaffirmed the major outcomes of the Conference in Support of Peace and Prosperity in the Great Lakes Region, held on October 30 in Paris.
He emphasized that the event successfully brought the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC back to the forefront of the international agenda and led to the mobilization of unprecedented financial support.
Thanks to strong diplomatic efforts by the Congolese delegation, international partners pledged a total of €1.5 billion, primarily benefiting the populations of North and South Kivu. Key contributions include US$129 million from the United States, €129 million from the European Union, as well as renewed commitments from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, and Japan. Major international financial institutions and UN agencies also confirmed their backing.
A critical decision from the Paris conference concerns the partial reopening of Goma Airport, expected before the end of the year. The airport will reopen exclusively for daytime humanitarian flights, a move deemed essential to improve access for isolated communities, ensure the safe movement of humanitarian workers, and accelerate aid delivery.
Following the conference, President Tshisekedi instructed the Government to ensure immediate and rigorous implementation of the commitments made.
The Minister of State for Planning must oversee strict management of funds and guarantee that financing is directed toward priority needs.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Regional Integration are tasked with continuing discussions with partner states and international organizations to finalize operational mechanisms.
The Minister of Social Affairs must work with partners to develop an emergency intervention plan to strengthen assistance for displaced populations.
Regarding the reopening of Goma Airport, the President issued specific directives to the Deputy Prime Ministers of the Interior, Transport, and Defense. They are required to coordinate to ensure necessary logistical and security measures, integrating recommendations from the ICRC, particularly regarding aircraft protection and the safety of humanitarian operations.
President Tshisekedi requested regular progress reports, relayed through the Prime Minister, stressing that the DRC’s international credibility and the protection of its population depend on the effective execution of these commitments.
