France has clarified its position in the ongoing violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the M23 rebels backed by Rwanda.
On Tuesday, the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs expressed its concern over the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC.
“France is very concerned by the situation in eastern Congo, particularly around Goma and Saké, in North Kivu. Attacks on the territorial integrity of the DRC and the situation of civilian populations are unacceptable. France condemns the continuation of the M23 offensives with the support of Rwanda, as well as the presence of Rwandan forces on Congolese territory,” the statement by the French Ministry reads.
In its earlier statement released dated February 8, France was not as affirmative over the involvement Rwanda and only condemned the acts of the M23 fighters as well as any attack against the MONUSCO force.
However, France have now come out to clear and demanded the M23 to cease fire immediately and withdraw from all the areas it currently occupies, in accordance with the decisions taken within the framework of the Luanda process.
Paris has also sent clear messages to both the Rwandan and Congolese governments in the ongoing fighting; “We call on Rwanda to cease all support for the M23 and to withdraw from Congolese territory. France calls on all armed groups to put an end to the violence. The armed forces of the DRC must also cease all collaboration with the FDLR, a movement originating from the militias which committed the genocide perpetrated against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994,” the statement reads.
France reaffirms its support for regional dialogue processes to find a negotiated solution to end the escalating conflict.
