U.S Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemns assault on Goma, calls for peaceful resolution in DRC

In a phone call with Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi today, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed his concern over the recent assault on Goma by the Rwanda-backed M23 movement. Secretary Rubio condemned the violence and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to respecting the sovereignty of the DRC.

The call between Secretary Rubio and President Tshisekedi focused on enhancing bilateral relations and advancing the Luanda Process, which aims to restart talks between the DRC and Rwanda. Both leaders agreed on the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC.

Recent developments in the region have led to the deaths of five residents in Rwanda’s Rubavu District, with many others injured. The conflict engages M23 with various armed groups, including, the Genocidal FDLR, and the Wazalendo Alliance, along with the DRC army.

Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) have been responding to gunfire from the DRC to protect civilians along the border. Despite the ongoing attacks, RDF spokesperson Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga assured the population that security forces are working to defend them.

Over 120 soldiers from the DRC and Wazalendo armed group have surrendered at the Rwanda-DRC border following the capture of Goma by M23 fighters. The Rwandan government has provided temporary shelter for these individuals as they disarm and seek refuge.

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