Russia advocates for dialogue to halt violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, warning against escalation. Foreign Minister Maria Zakharova stresses the importance of peace talks and withdrawal of armed groups, amidst ongoing conflicts led by groups like the M23 in the mineral-rich eastern region of the country.
On Friday, Russia emphasized that dialogue is the only viable solution to end the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern over escalating tensions that might lead to an inter-state conflict. Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokeswoman, called for immediate peace talks among all involved parties to halt hostilities.
Zakharova urged for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of armed groups from occupied territories, and the resumption of negotiations within existing regional peacekeeping frameworks. The conflict is predominantly located in the mineral-rich eastern regions of the DRC, where armed groups have been vying for power and control for years.
The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, recently declared its control over much of Goma, a significant city in Congo. Composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis, the group had previously engaged in an insurgency against the Congolese government in 2012, resurfacing again in 2022 after failing to integrate into the Congolese army. The ongoing situation raises concerns regarding the stability of the region and the potential for wider conflict.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has endured years of violence primarily due to competition among various armed groups seeking control over its rich mineral resources. The eastern part of the country has been especially volatile, with the M23 rebel group re-emerging as a significant threat. The international community is increasingly worried about the implications of the conflict, particularly as it threatens to escalate into a broader regional confrontation involving neighboring countries.
In summary, Russia has called for immediate dialogue to resolve the ongoing violence in the DRC, urging the cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of armed groups. The appeal for negotiations highlights the necessity of addressing the long-standing conflict over resources and power dynamics that have plagued the region. The international community watches closely as armed groups continue to pose a challenge to stability in the DRC.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
