Moscow says it is concerned about militant assaults in DR Congo targeting soldiers and UN peacekeepers
Russia has called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), where the M23 rebel group has intensified attacks on the national army and peacekeeping forces.
In a statement on Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry expressed concern about the escalation of the conflict and condemned assaults targeting the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO).
“Since the beginning of January, M23 has stepped up its activities, establishing control over the cities of Masisi and Sake. Moscow calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a resumption of the negotiation process,” the ministry stated.
The Central African nation has been embroiled in violence for decades, particularly in the east, where dozens of non-state armed groups, including M23, are competing with the government for resources such as gold and diamonds. Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of fueling the conflict by arming the M23 insurgents. A group of UN experts also estimates that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops are fighting alongside the M23 militia against Congolese soldiers and local allies. Kigali has repeatedly denied the allegations.
Earlier this month, the militants intensified their assaults in North and South Kivu, reportedly seizing control of more territory. On Monday, the group announced that it had captured Goma, the capital and largest city of the North Kivu Province, after hours of gunfire.
At least 13 peacekeepers, including those from South Africa and Uruguay, have been killed in the latest offensive, according to the UN. The country’s army announced on Friday that the rebels had shot and killed North Kivu governor Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba while he was visiting the front line.
“Several shells struck the Charity Maternity Hospital in central Goma, killing and injuring civilians, including newborn and pregnant women,” Bruno Lemarquis, UN deputy special representative in the DR Congo, told journalists on Monday.
He said nearly 6.5 million people have been displaced, and hospitals are struggling to keep up with the influx of injured patients.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting on Sunday, Russia’s permanent representative, Vassily Nebenzia, condemned assaults on international peacekeepers and expressed Moscow’s “deep condolences” to the families of the killed soldiers. The envoy went on to criticize the use of heavy artillery near civilian infrastructure.
On Monday, Moscow’s Foreign Ministry advised Russian nationals against traveling to the African state, urging those already in the conflict-torn North Kivu province to “leave the region at the first opportunity.”
