The G7 condemned the M23 offensive in eastern Congo, calling for an immediate ceasefire from both M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force. They emphasized the urgent need for the protection of civilians and urged for the withdrawal of M23 from captured areas, citing exacerbated humanitarian conditions and violations of Congolese sovereignty.
On Sunday, the G7 group condemned the M23 offensive in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, urging both the M23 group and the Rwanda Defence Force to halt their operations. This statement came from the foreign ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States, alongside the European Union’s foreign policy head, emphasizing the need for urgent protection of civilians in the affected regions.
The G7’s statement followed reports of M23, allegedly supported by Rwanda, launching a major offensive in January, with claims of having captured Goma. Despite these claims, Rwanda has denied any backing of the group. The G7 ministers took a firm stance, demanding the cessation of all support, both direct and indirect, to M23 and similar non-state armed groups in Congo.
The offensive has resulted in a significant increase in displaced civilians, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. The ministers noted the dire situation for those affected and condemned M23’s intent to expand operations into South Kivu, highlighting this as a clear violation of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s sovereignty.
In light of the escalating humanitarian crisis, the G7 called for the safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid and emphasized the need to ensure the safety of humanitarian personnel. They urged all parties to engage in negotiations and adhere to the agreements established under the Luanda Process, further calling on M23 to withdraw from all regions under its control.
The G7 reaffirmed its support for the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), tasked with protecting civilians and stabilizing the region, and urged all parties to respect its mission. The ongoing conflict, fueled by the pursuit of natural resources, continues to strain humanitarian conditions, with the M23 rebels claiming to protect the rights of minority Congolese Tutsis.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has faced long-standing conflicts predominantly driven by ethnic tensions and the quest for natural resources. The M23 group has historically claimed to represent the interests of Congolese Tutsis, which are entangled with Rwanda’s Tutsi community. Recent offensives have escalated the humanitarian crisis in the region, leading to food and water shortages and massive displacements, as verified by the United Nations and various officials. International bodies, such as the G7 and the UN, have consistently called for an end to violence and greater humanitarian support for the affected populations.
The G7’s condemnation of the M23 offensive underscores a collective international urgency for civilian protection and restoration of stability in eastern Congo. Through their statement, the G7 has sought to hold the M23 and its alleged supporters accountable, while also emphasizing the dire humanitarian impact on the region’s population. The path forward necessitates negotiation and compliance with international mandates to ensure safety and humanitarian aid access.
Original Source: www.aa.com.tr
