Renewed tensions in the DRC, the EU condemns and designates the M23
(BRUSSELS2) While all eyes are on Syria, fighting resumes in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They oppose the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, to the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) supported by the UN intervention force (MONUSCO). On Wednesday August 21 and Thursday August 22, fighting resumed about fifteen kilometers from Goma (North Kivu) between the Congolese Armed Forces and the M23 rebels. As is always the case, the actors return the responsibility.
Blue helmets useless?
On Saturday 24, the situation degenerated. Shells fired by the M23 fell on Goma, causing 3 deaths and triggering riots which targeted the blue helmets of the UN force (MONUSCO). The population accuses them of being ineffective in protecting them from rebel attacks. UN troops were thrown stones and Molotov cocktails. These demonstrations left three dead on the Congolese side and on the spot some accuse the Uruguayan blue helmets of having opened fire with live ammunition on the crowd. Montevideo hastened Sunday 25 to deny. " Uruguayan soldiers who are members of UN peacekeepers in eastern DRC did not fire live ammunition at protesters explained a Uruguayan military spokesman. Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC said today, " Monusco is not responsible for everything that happens in the DRC ».
Strong condemnation of the EU which designates a responsible: the M23
Asked by B2 at the midday briefing, one of the High Representative's spokespersons said, " strongly condemned the resumption of fighting which broke out on August 21 near Goma following heavy weapon fire by the M23 movement on various neighborhoods of Goma […] These attacks against civilian populations and MONUSCO troops cannot be tolerated ". And to recall "the urgent need for the M23 and the armed groups to lay down their arms". Didier Reynders, Belgian Foreign Minister took note with concern of the latest information "also blaming" the rebels of the M23 (who) relaunched the offensive ". He " therefore hopes that MONUSCO will react quickly, in order to neutralize as quickly as possible the nuisance and attack capacity of the M23 on a city as densely populated as Goma. »
The EU sticks to its guns
The EU recalls the importance of promoting a political solution and reaffirms its support for the United Nations force. " The European Union continues to actively support the implementation of the commitments of the Peace, Security and Cooperation Agreement for the DRC and the region concluded in Addis in February 2013 under the aegis of the Secretary-General of the United Nations."