Changes from resolution motion to resolution motion joint

Added17. Confirms its commitment to freedom of thought, conscience and religion as a fundamental human right guaranteed by international legal instruments recognised as holding universal value, and to which most countries in the world have committed, and which is enshrined in the Constitution of the DRC;

Added18. Echoes the calls for international solidarity in defending religious freedom and the protection of religious minorities in conflict zones, particularly in the DRC, while addressing the root causes of violent extremism in the DRC and its neighbourhood;

Added19. Urges the EU to uphold its commitment to the promotion of religious freedom and the protection of communities, including religious communities, ensuring that the rights of these groups are prioritised in the EU’s external policies;

Added20. Notes, with concern, the growing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church in Africa, which is a staunch supporter of the Putin regime and its violent, unlawful war in Ukraine; underlines that this development raises significant questions regarding the broader geopolitical and ideological objectives of the Russian Federation in Africa;

Added21. Deplores the fact that Rwanda announced the termination of its diplomatic relations with Belgium, and expresses its solidarity with Belgium;

Added22. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Governments and Parliaments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, the African Union, the secretariats of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Southern African Development Community and the East African Community, and other relevant international bodies.