Violence From All Sides in the DRC Must Cease

There has been an alarming increase in violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. “These attacks go against the spirit and the letter of both the bilateral DRC-Rwanda peace agreement and the DRC-[March 23 Movement] declaration of principles,” said Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations.

“Let me be clear: the killings perpetrated by the Rwanda-backed M23, against civilians in Rutshuru territory and elsewhere, are horrifying, and the United States condemns them in the strongest terms. Furthermore, U.S. government information confirms that M23, supported by Rwandan Defense Force elements, battled DRC forces around Mulamba in South Kivu province, in the DRC, beginning on 8th of August.”

The U.S. is also deeply concerned about the reports of attacks against civilians by armed groups operating with the support of some members of the Congolese army in North Kivu and South Kivu.

“The appalling ISIS-DRC attacks recently against Christians underscore the broad instability in eastern DRC,” said Ambassador Shea.

“The United States fully expects the DRC and Rwanda to uphold their obligations to cease hostile acts and resolve disputes by peaceful means through the Joint Oversight Committee established by the June 27 peace agreement.”

The United States also expects the DRC and M23 to act in good faith under the Declaration of Principles signed in Doha, in which both sides committed to a permanent ceasefire.

“The United States will hold accountable spoilers [of] peace and we call on [Security] Council members to do the same,” said Ambassador Shea.

“We have already taken a first step to this end on August 12 when the United States sanctioned four entities producing and trading conflict minerals in eastern DRC.”

The U.S. urges the DRC to implement the preparation phase immediately and expects adherence to the timeline, as obligated by the June 27 Peace Agreement, including Rwanda’s withdrawal of its forces from the DRC.

Implementation of the Regional Economic Integration Framework is dependent on the adherence of all parties to their obligations under the peace process. The United States is ready to support this effort through investment that benefits both the United States and the people of the region. However, to realize these opportunities, administrative control of the region must return to the DRC government under a structure that is representative of the local communities.

“Addressing the crisis in North and South Kivu is among the first steps necessary to advancing peace in eastern DRC,” said Ambassador Shea. “To this end, all of us must hold to account ISIS-DRC, armed groups, and other destabilizers for their egregious actions and insist all parties honor their obligations and commitments.”