ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has called for an "immediate and unconditional" ceasefire and the "immediate withdrawal" of the March 23 Movement (M23) and other armed groups operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The statement was made by the AU Peace and Security Council in a communique released Tuesday following its recent meeting on the escalating conflict in the eastern DRC.
"The council unequivocally condemns the activities of the M23 and its supporters, Allied Democratic Forces, Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, and other armed groups. It calls for the immediate and unconditional ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, and the immediate withdrawal of all uninvited foreign forces, armed and terrorist groups operating in the DRC," the communique read.
Expressing its "grave concern" over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern DRC, the council said the worsening phenomenon necessitates collective action in the spirit of "African solutions to African problems."
Reiterating its total respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, it urged unhindered and safe humanitarian access, protection of civilians, and restoration of essential utilities in the city of Goma and other affected areas. The council also called for the re-opening of Goma International Airport.
Emphasizing that there is no military solution to the conflict, the council called upon the related parties to prioritize diplomatic and political engagements. It further called for the immediate resumption of negotiations with all state and non-state parties as well as military and non-military factions under the frameworks of the Luanda and Nairobi Processes.
The council highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the illegal exploitation of natural resources, and pledged to remain actively engaged in resolving the crisis.
The escalating conflict was a key agenda item at the 38th AU summit, which concluded Sunday at the union's headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia's capital. African leaders at the summit expressed "great concern" over the worsening security situation, according to Bankole Adeoye, the AU commissioner for political affairs, peace and security.
The M23 has been advancing in the eastern DRC since seizing the region's largest city, Goma, in late January. Local media reported that the armed group captured Bukavu on Sunday, a major city in the region. ■
