The attack on the UN’s MONUSCO mission in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) killed at least 14 Tanzanian peacekeepers and 5 Congolese soldiers and wounded many more civilians and military personnel.

This deplorable attack underlines the fragility of the security situation in eastern DRC, which is exacerbated by the current uncertainty about the country’s political stability.

The EU extends its sincere condolences to the families of the victims, to the governments that mourn the loss of their citizens, and to MONUSCO.

The EU calls on the authorities in the DRC to carry out an investigation to ensure that those responsible are quickly brought to justice.

This attack also underlines the need to tackle the multiple causes of the chronic insecurity in North Kivu. The EU reaffirms its support for MONUSCO, particularly in protecting civilians and combatting the armed groups.