The United States condemns the brazen ceasefire violations in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by the Rwanda-backed, U.S.- and UN-sanctioned M23 armed group. The continued advances by the M23, including the taking of Masisi town this weekend, damage efforts to reach a negotiated peace in eastern DRC while harming and displacing civilians in the area. M23 must immediately cease hostilities and abide by the ceasefire. We reiterate our longstanding call for Rwanda to immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defense Force personnel and equipment from the DRC.
To end the conflict and suffering, it is vital that both the DRC and Rwanda uphold their commitments to the Angola-mediated Luanda Process and ensure that the reinforced ad hoc verification mechanism is operational.
