African Union calls on foreign countries not to interfere in Africa's internal affairs
The African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern over the rising tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and called on foreign powers to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of countries on the continent.
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AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, in a written statement, urged the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda to continue dialogue within the framework of the processes initiated in Angola and Kenya.
Emphasizing that the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states in the region must be protected and the safety of civilians must be ensured, Mahamat stated that there is no military solution to the problems and conflicts in Africa.
Noting that he is deeply concerned about the tensions, Mahamat called on all foreign countries to completely refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of African countries, especially those in the Great Lakes region.
CONFLICTS CONTINUE
The eastern part of the DRC, which borders Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, has been the scene of attacks and clashes for over 20 years by armed groups attempting to gain control of minerals such as gold and cobalt.
Many rebel organizations, primarily the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the March 23 Movement (M23), are active in the region.
In the attacks that have increased in the last month by M23 members attempting to capture Goma, the capital of the DRC's North Kivu province, many civilians and soldiers have lost their lives, and thousands of people have been displaced.
Rwanda, which is alleged to support the M23 rebel group, and the DRC have come to the brink of war.
While DRC President Felix Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, Rwandan President Paul Kagame denies the allegations and says the DRC President is avoiding responsibility by blaming Rwanda.