Democratic Republic of Congo
Bomb attacks at camps for displaced people (May 6, 2024)

France strongly condemns the May 3^rd bomb attacks at the camps for displaced people near the city of Goma, which left many civilians dead, including children, and many others injured.

France expresses its solidarity with the victims and their families. We call for light to be shed on those responsible for this attack, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. France denounces the escalation of violence against the civilians of North Kivu and condemns all attacks against civilians, as well as the use of heavy weapons near the camps for displaced people.

As the President of France stated when the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, came to Paris on April 30, 2024, France strongly condemns the M23 offensive and calls on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the DRC. France fully supports the regional processes to find a negotiated solution to this crisis in all its various aspects, including the demobilization of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

Q&A

What is your reaction to Israel’s announcement encouraging people in the eastern part of the city of Rafah to evacuate to humanitarian zones?

France reiterates its strong opposition to an Israeli offensive on Rafah, where over 1.3 million people have taken refuge at a time of great distress. The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs repeated this message during his trip to Israel last week and the President of France shared the same statement with the Israeli Prime Minister yesterday.

In addition, France states that the forced displacement of a civilian population constitutes a war crime, according to international law.

Our position is clear: the hostages must be freed immediately and a lasting ceasefire must enable the civilian population to receive the protection that they need.