The United States has condemned the ongoing ceasefire violations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the M23 armed group, which is backed by Rwanda and sanctioned by both the U.S. and the UN. The recent actions of M23, including their takeover of Masisi town over the weekend, have been criticized for undermining peace efforts in eastern DRC and causing harm and displacement to civilians.
"M23 must immediately cease hostilities and abide by the ceasefire," stated Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson. The U.S. has reiterated its call for Rwanda to withdraw all Rwanda Defense Force personnel and equipment from the DRC.
The resolution of this conflict requires that both DRC and Rwanda adhere to their commitments under the Angola-mediated Luanda Process. It is also essential that the reinforced ad hoc verification mechanism becomes operational to ensure compliance with these agreements.
