deeply concerned about violence in Democratic Republic of Congo, Secretary-General

 

calls for cessation of hostilities, withdrawal to previous positions

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

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and, in particular, by the fighting which began two days ago between a mixed group of Coalition of Patriots in the Congolese Resistance (PARECO)/Mayi-Mayi militia and the National Congress in Defence of the People (CNDP) in the Rutshuru area.  He is also worried by the reported attack by the CNDP this morning on positions of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in the Nyanzale area.

The Secretary-General calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and thewithdrawal of forces to positions held prior to the resumption of fighting on 28 August.  He urges the armed groups involved in the ongoing fighting to support the current efforts to find a political solution to the crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and to avoid activities that result in the further displacement and suffering of the civilian population.

The Secretary-General continues to work closely with the leaders of the subregion to assist in finding a comprehensive and lasting solution to this crisis, and is currently in Nairobi, where he will attend a regional summit on the subject.

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For information media • not an official record