The Embassy of the United States notes with grave concern the resurgence of violence in North Kivu province, eastern DRC. Intensified clashes between a coalition of armed groups and M23 have led to loss of life and property and driven tens of thousands of civilians from their homes. We call on the DRC government, MONUSCO, and the East African Community Regional Force to redouble efforts to provide for protection of civilians within their respective competencies and mandates and in a coordinated manner. We call on all relevant authorities to allow unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations. Recognizing the increasing burden that newly displaced communities will place on the severely underfunded humanitarian response, we reaffirm our commitment as the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance in the DRC and call on all partners to give generously to support vulnerable populations.
The crisis in eastern DRC demands a political – not military – solution. We call on all parties to adhere fully to agreements made under recent regional mediation processes, including the ceasefire that has been observed since 7 March 2023, and urge safe access and swift investigation by regional monitoring and verification mechanisms. We reiterate our own commitment to support this process and will use all diplomatic tools available to isolate and condemn those who undermine peace and security in eastern DRC.
