The African Union (AU) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of M23 rebels and other armed groups from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the AU Commission’s Peace and Security Council called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in eastern DRC, emphasizing the withdrawal of M23 and other armed groups from the region.
The Council strongly condemned the activities of the M23 rebels, their supporters, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), citing their destabilizing impact.
Reaffirming its commitment to respecting the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the AU urged for Safe and unhindered humanitarian access, Protection of civilians, Restoration of essential services in Goma and other affected areas and Reopening of Goma International Airport.
The Council further called for all state and non-state actors, military and non-military factions involved in the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes to resume immediate negotiations to restore stability in the region.
