AU warns of rising violence in DR Congo and Great Lakes region amid M23 advance
The African Union has warned of escalating violence in eastern DR Congo and Burundi after M23 advances near Uvira, displacing over 200,000 people and killing at least 74 civilians.
The African Union (AU) has raised the alarm over recent clashes in South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Cibitoke Province, Burundi, urging all parties to avoid further violence and seek political solutions.
The warning comes after reports that the M23 rebel group has advanced towards the strategic town of Uvira, near the Burundi border, with fighting erupting in villages north of the town as government forces and local militias confront the rebels.
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The clashes have displaced more than 200,000 people and killed at least 74 civilians, with dozens more wounded.
The violence erupted just days after DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame signed a peace deal in Washington D.C., brokered by US President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
In a statement on Thursday, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf described the attacks on civilians as deeply regrettable, saying they undermine ongoing efforts to stabilise the region.
Clashes threaten peace deals progress
According to the AUC chief, the clashes threaten progress made under the Doha Framework Agreement between the DRC and M23, as well as the Washington treaty.
"The Chairperson deeply regrets these clashes and the violence perpetrated against civilian populations, which run counter to the momentum generated by the Doha Framework Agreement... as well as the Washington D.C. Agreement," the statement reads.
Mahmoud further emphasised the need for all stakeholders to exercise restraint and prioritise political solutions, while reaffirming the AU's support for the affected civilian populations.
He also condemned any attempts to establish parallel administrations in eastern DRC, calling on all countries in the region to honour commitments under the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement and the Pact on Non-Aggression and Mutual Defence of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.
"The chairperson reiterates the African Union's long-standing position that lasting peace in the Great Lakes region is predicated on full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States," the statement added.
Mahmoud concluded by affirming the organisation's readiness to work with regional and international partners to strengthen security dialogue and bring an end to instability in the Great Lakes region.
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