(MENAFN) An EU official on Wednesday called on all parties involved in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to establish a humanitarian corridor and allow humanitarian flights to resume.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa, Johan Borgstram, the EU special representative to the Great Lakes region, expressed concern over the worsening state of essential services and urged the warring factions to “respect the principles of international humanitarian law.”

Highlighting the escalating violence in eastern provinces, Borgstram pointed to the M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, as responsible for the surge in displacement affecting thousands of people. He also condemned the alleged presence of Rwandan troops on Congolese soil, describing it as a breach of the country’s territorial integrity.

Borgstram praised Qatar and the United States for mediating talks between the Congolese government and rebel forces, emphasizing that all sides must honor the ceasefire and engage in genuine dialogue. The rebels and government forces signed the Declaration of Principles ceasefire agreement in Doha in July.

Despite the ceasefire, clashes continue, with each side accusing the other of violations. Nearly 7 million Congolese have been displaced internally, according to government estimates. In contrast, the M23 rebels claimed last week that “there is no longer any humanitarian emergency” in areas under their control, asserting that “all displaced persons have returned to their places of origin.”

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