Great Lakes region – Conversations between Catherine Colonna and her counterparts from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda (November 21, 2023)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna spoke with Christophe Lutundula, Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on November 20, and with Vincent Biruta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, on November 21.

The minister reaffirmed France’s commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all the countries of the region. She condemned the current offensives by the M23 movement and expressed her concern over the severe humanitarian repercussions of the current crisis. She emphasized that it is important for the December 20th elections to unfold smoothly, without any kind of destabilization.

The Minister called on the DRC and Rwanda to promote calm and to continue their dialogue, particularly within the regional diplomatic framework of the Luanda and Nairobi processes.

France will continue its support for peace and stability in the eastern DRC and the Great Lakes region.

Ukraine – Tenth anniversary of the Euromaidan “Revolution of Dignity” in Ukraine

Ten years ago, the Ukrainian people poured into the streets to express their wish for closer ties with the EU and their deep commitment to the values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law.

Ten years ago, in response to this choice by the Ukrainian people, Russia responded with threats, pressure, and the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity by annexing Crimea and illegally occupying part of the Donbas region, sparking a deadly war.

On February 24, 2022, Russia sought to definitively end the Ukrainian nation’s free and sovereign political project by launching a large-scale aggression. It was thwarted by the Ukrainian people, who showed extraordinary unity and resilience.

The considerable progress that Ukraine has made toward joining the EU, as reflected in the latest Commission report, shows that the spirit of the Maidan has remained intact, despite the ongoing Russian aggression.

France will continue to offer its unwavering support to the war-scarred Ukrainian nation. We will stand by Ukraine to help it ensure its legitimate defense and we will support its integration into the European family.

Seizure of the Galaxy Leader (November 21, 2023)

France condemns the seizure of the Galaxy Leader by the Houthis on November 19 and calls for the immediate release of the commercial vessel’s crew.

The ship’s seizure as it transited the Red Sea in international waters and its diversion to Hodeida are jeopardizing safe, free shipping in the region, in violation of international law. This act also undermines the interests of the Yemeni people and neighboring countries.

France calls on all regional stakeholders to avoid an escalation. That is the message that the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs is conveying to all of her interlocutors, including her Iranian counterpart this past Thursday.