SECRETARY-GENERAL DEEPLY CONCERNED BY DETERIORATING SECURITY SITUATION

IN EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned at the deteriorating security situation in the South and North Kivu provinces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.  He is particularly troubled by the dire humanitarian consequences, which include the internal displacement of some 700,000 persons in the region.

The Secretary-General calls on all key actors to undertake political measures to resolve the crisis, including through the implementation of a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring the extension of State authority and the promotion of reconciliation, recovery and development in North and South Kivu.  The Secretary-General urges the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and all concerned to pursue an inclusive dialogue in the Kivus.

The Secretary-General calls on regional and international partners to support efforts to ease tensions in the area.  He encourages the Governments of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda to fully cooperate in addressing the root causes of instability in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the broader region.

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For information media • not an official record