The ๐๐๐ซ๐ข๐๐๐ง ๐๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ข๐ฅ has expressed grave concern over the increased tensions between the ๐๐๐ฆ๐จ๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ ๐จ and ๐๐ฐ๐๐ง๐๐ and strongly condemns the heinous attacks by the M23, which resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, and displacement, especially women and children, and warns that those concerned will be held accountable for their actions.
According to the African Union PSC, the activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) have worsened the insecurity and suffering of the population in eastern DRC.
The PSC demands the M23, ADF and FDLR, other armed and terrorist groups operating in eastern DRC to immediately and unconditionally cease their attacks and permanently disband and lay down their arms.
Further, the PSC calls for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal of M23 from Minova, Sake, Goma, and other occupied areas in the DRC, and all other foreign armed and terrorist groups operating in the DRC.
At the same time, PSC unequivocally condemned any foreign military support being provided to M23 and any other armed group operating in eastern DRC and demanded the immediate cessation of such support and the immediate withdrawal of any such external party from the entire Congolese territory.
The PSC has commended the efforts of H.E. Joรฃo Manuel Lourenรงo, President of Angola, Chair of ICGLR, and AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation, in facilitating dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda and urged the two parties to continue extending their cooperation and collaboration to the facilitatorโs efforts.
