Paul Kagame met with European Union Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib in Kigali to discuss humanitarian access and security challenges in the Great Lakes region, as the EU unveiled a fresh €81.2 million aid package aimed largely at addressing the escalating crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Lahbib, accompanied by Johan Borgstam, the EU Special Representative for the Great Lakes region, held talks with Kagame focused on the deteriorating situation in eastern DRC, where renewed conflict has triggered widespread displacement and strained already fragile humanitarian systems.
Following the meeting, Lahbib said both sides agreed to explore common solutions to ensure humanitarian aid reaches vulnerable populations. She stressed that aid workers must be able to operate safely and effectively in conflict zones, underlining the importance of coordinated efforts between regional governments and international partners.
The discussions come amid intensifying violence in eastern DRC, where armed groups continue to clash, displacing communities and deepening humanitarian needs. According to EU officials, access to food, water and shelter is severely stretched, with women and children facing heightened risks of exploitation and violence.
During a briefing in Kigali, Lahbib reiterated that a political solution remains the only sustainable path to ending the humanitarian crisis. She emphasized that lasting peace in eastern DRC is not only vital for Congolese citizens but also in the strategic interest of Rwanda and the broader Great Lakes region. The EU has consistently called for diplomatic engagement and regional dialogue to address the root causes of instability.
The €81.2 million humanitarian allocation announced this week is intended to support urgent relief efforts across the Great Lakes region. Of that total, €68 million is earmarked specifically for operations inside the DRC, where conflict and displacement have reached critical levels. The remaining funds will be directed toward neighboring countries affected by cross-border displacement and humanitarian spillovers.
Lahbib’s visit to Kigali formed part of a broader regional tour that included stops in the DRC and Burundi. The objective, according to EU statements, was to assess pressing humanitarian needs firsthand and advocate for safe and unhindered access for aid agencies operating on the ground.
The Great Lakes region has long been marked by complex political and security dynamics, with tensions between neighboring states often intertwined with internal armed conflicts. The eastern DRC in particular has experienced decades of instability driven by militia activity, competition over natural resources and regional rivalries. Recent escalations have once again drawn international concern, prompting renewed diplomatic engagement from continental and global actors.
The EU’s financial commitment reflects both humanitarian urgency and geopolitical interest in stabilizing the region. Brussels has increasingly emphasized the link between security, governance and development, arguing that unresolved conflict undermines long-term economic prospects and regional integration.
As displacement figures climb and aid resources are stretched thin, the effectiveness of international funding will depend heavily on access conditions and cooperation among regional stakeholders. Ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers remains a critical challenge, particularly in areas where armed groups maintain control.
While immediate relief is essential, EU officials maintain that durable stability will require sustained political negotiations and inclusive dialogue. The outcome of these efforts will shape not only the humanitarian trajectory in eastern DRC but also broader security dynamics across Central and East Africa.
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