G7 Urges End to M23 Offensive in Eastern Congo and Advocates for Civilian Protection
The G7 condemned the M23 offensive in eastern Congo, urging an end to hostilities and protection for civilians. They called for the cessation of support to M23 and highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis. The G7 emphasized the importance of negotiations and pledged support for MONUSCO to stabilize the region.
The G7 nations condemned the recent M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, along with the EU foreign policy chief, emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and urged the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force to halt their attacks.
The M23 group, alleged to be receiving support from Rwanda, has undertaken significant military actions that reportedly led to the capture of Goma. Despite Rwanda’s denial of backing the group, the G7’s statement labeled the offensive as a blatant violation of DRC’s sovereignty, denouncing M23’s intentions to expand into South Kivu and calling for an end to any support for both M23 and non-state armed factions in the region.
The G7 foreign ministers highlighted the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the M23 offensive, which has resulted in increased displacement of civilians and worsened living conditions for those affected. They advocated for safe humanitarian aid access and emphasized the importance of safety assurances for humanitarian workers.
Moreover, the G7 called for a resumption of negotiations among all parties involved in the conflict, underscoring the need to adhere to the commitments established in the Luanda Process. They demanded that the M23 withdraw from all areas they control and reaffirmed their support for the United Nations stabilization mission in the DRC, MONUSCO, to maintain civilian safety and regional stability.
The ongoing conflict between M23 rebels and Congolese forces is driven by competition over natural resources, with the group asserting that it defends the interests of minority Congolese Tutsis facing discrimination due to their ethnic ties with Rwanda’s Tutsi population. The resulting offensive has intensified humanitarian challenges, leading to serious shortages of food and resources, according to United Nations reports.
The G7’s condemnation of the M23 offensive arises from a broader issue of regional instability in the DRC, where non-state actors often engage in violence for control over lucrative natural resources. The humanitarian impact of such conflicts is severe, involving mass displacements and deteriorating living conditions. The M23 group, claiming to represent the interests of Congolese Tutsis, raises complex questions regarding ethnic tensions and the role of neighboring nations like Rwanda in influencing internal conflicts in the DRC.
The G7’s statement reflects deep concern over the escalating violence and its humanitarian consequences in eastern Congo. By urging an end to hostilities and support for aid initiatives, the G7 collectively highlights the need for diplomatic solutions and respect for Congolese sovereignty. As the conflict continues, international attention remains critical in addressing these urgent challenges and ensuring protection for vulnerable civilian populations.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
