DRC’s Environment Minister Calls for Global Action Linking Environmental Protection and Armed Conflicts
At the Tropical Forest Forum in Oslo, Norway, Minister of State and Minister of the Environment Ève Bazaiba highlighted the severe impact of armed conflicts in eastern DRC, fueled by Rwanda, on the environment.
Minister Bazaiba emphasized the urgent need to link environmental protection with the armed conflicts in eastern DRC, particularly those orchestrated by Rwanda. She underscored the devastating effects of these conflicts on nature and the global environment.
“We face terrorism, and terrorism has a profound impact. Our national actions have global repercussions. Without the forests of the DRC, there would be no rain in the entire eastern region, affecting countries like Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and even Egypt, as we are the source of the Nile,” asserted Ève Bazaiba.
She called on the international community to support the DRC in ending armed conflicts.
“This forum in Oslo is an opportunity to connect issues of nature with issues of conflict. We must combat wars that destroy biodiversity and ecosystems, especially in the DRC, which protects the world,” urged Bazaiba.
Addressing developed and industrialized nations responsible for global pollution, Bazaiba delivered a strong message.
“I appeal to all polluting countries to move beyond donations to the DRC and transition from development aid to win-win partnerships by fulfilling their commitments, not in a humanitarian context, but within the climate finance framework.”
At the Tropical Forest Forum, the DRC challenged the international community to recognize the war’s dual role in destroying the global ecosystem and enabling the plunder of mining resources, benefiting both armed groups and aggressor countries.
