26/08/13 VOA: US Concerned About Escalating DRC Violence

The two sides suffered heavy casualties in clashes Sunday north of the city of Goma. The fighting that
began last week marks the first major hostilities since the army bombed M23
headquarters in July and drove the rebels several kilometers from Goma.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement Sunday the United States
is "alarmed" by the violence. It condemns the actions of the M23
rebels, calling on them to end hostilities and disband.

The U.S. is also urging the
governments in the DRC and neighboring Rwanda to use restraint to prevent
further military escalation and actions that could endanger civilians.

United Nations experts have accused Rwanda
of supporting M23 – an allegation Rwanda denies.

The M23 briefly took control of Goma last year and still controls parts of North Kivu province. The group has been fighting for
political power and control of the region's rich mines.

The M23 is made up of former rebels who were integrated into the Congolese army
in a 2009 peace agreement. The rebels later deserted the army, complaining of
discrimination and poor treatment.