26 08 13 United States Department of State : Congo-Kinshasa: Statement on Situation in Eastern Congo

The United States is
alarmed by the escalating fighting between the M23 armed group and the armed forces
of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in eastern Congo. We condemn
the actions of the M23, which have resulted in civilian casualties, attacks on
the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), and significant population
displacements. We are also concerned by reports of shelling across the Rwandan
border, including credible UN reports that the M23 has fired into Rwandan
territory. We call on the M23 to immediately end the hostilities, lay down
their arms, and disband, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

We commend the actions of
MONUSCO to protect civilians in and around Goma. Attacks against UN
installations and personnel are unacceptable. We are deeply concerned about
evidence of increasing ethnic tensions in Goma and call on all parties to avoid
any actions that could exacerbate such tensions.

We urgently call on the DRC
and Rwandan governments to exercise restraint to prevent military escalation of
the conflict or any action that puts civilians at risk. We reiterate our call
for Rwanda
to cease any and all support to the M23 and to respect DRC's territorial
integrity, consistent with U.N. Security Council resolutions and its
commitments under the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework. We also call
on the DRC to take all prudent steps to protect civilians and to take
precautions that FARDC shells do not inadvertently land in Rwandan territory.
We urge MONUSCO and the Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism to promptly and
thoroughly investigate charges of cross-border shelling. We urge all parties to
facilitate access for humanitarian organizations assisting populations in need.

The United States
fully supports the Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework signed by the
DRC, Rwandan, and neighboring governments in February 2013 as the basis for a
political dialogue to resolve the longstanding conflict in the region. We also
believe any political settlement of the conflict must include accountability
for human rights atrocities committed by leaders of the M23 and other armed
groups, including the FDLR. The United
States stands ready to consider further
targeted sanctions against the leaders of the M23 and other armed groups and
those who support them.