In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where rebels have been moving closer to a provincial capital in the east of the country, the African Union has demanded an immediate end to the combat. The M23 rebels, who are currently posing a threat to the city of Goma, are being supported by Rwanda, according to DR Congo, which has expelled Kigali’s envoy.
It comes after the rebels seized control of a significant transit hub in the country’s east. The claim that Rwanda backs the rebels has been refuted on numerous occasions.
On Saturday, the rebel-held town of Kiwandja fell into their hands, potentially shutting off the regional headquarters of Goma from the mineral-rich North Kivu province’s north. All sides are being invited to peace negotiations in Kenya next month after being urged by the AU to engage in a meaningful conversation.
Joint Communiqué of the Chair of the African Union @Macky_Sall and the Chairperson of the AU Commission @AUC_MoussaFaki on the situation in the East of #DRC @ https://t.co/R8DzStcXqv pic.twitter.com/gC2ucHBBw7
— African Union (@_AfricanUnion) October 30, 2022