The United Nations has expressed concern over continued fighting in the areas of Fizi and Mwenga, in South Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called on Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo to continue respecting the Washington peace agreement aimed at finding a solution to the conflict in eastern Congo.
Mr. Türk said that although progress has been made through peace talks, ongoing clashes are putting civilians at risk, causing displacement and damaging their livelihoods.
He said that recent fighting in Fizi involved the use of heavy weapons, including armed drones and explosive weapons with wide-area effects, and called for an end to the use of such weapons in populated areas.
The UN rights chief urged AFC/M23 and the Congolese army (FARDC) to immediately halt hostilities and prioritize the protection of civilians.
Rwanda Tribune sought a response from AFC/M23 leadership regarding the UN’s call and the concerns raised over the fighting. We attempted to reach Dr. Oscar Balinda, AFC/M23 Deputy Political Spokesperson, to get his reaction, but he could not be reached by telephone at the time of publication.
Volker Türk also called on regional countries and the international community to continue supporting diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation of insecurity in eastern Congo.
By Mwizerwa Ally
rwandatribune.rw
