Deeply Concerned at Escalating Violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo,

Secretary-General Condemns Deadly Shelling by M23 Armed Group

 

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.  He condemns in particular the indiscriminate shelling by the 23 March Movement that caused deaths, injuries and damage among the civilian population in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and in the immediate border area in Rwanda, as well as among United Nations peacekeepers.

The Secretary-General encourages all parties concerned to pursue a comprehensive political process aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict.

The Secretary-General calls on all regional actors concerned to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from any acts or statements that could lead to a further deterioration of the situation.  He also calls on all Member States with influence in the region to assist in easing tensions.

The Secretary-General’s Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region and his Special Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo are currently fully engaged in diplomatic efforts to help overcome the current situation.

The Secretary-General stresses that the United Nations remains committed to taking all necessary actions to protect civilians in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, in line with Security Council resolution 2098 (2013) and previous resolutions on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and emphasizes that spoilers and those who violate international law must be held accountable.

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For information media • not an official record