By : Lloyd Mahachi 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday discussed over the phone with the presidents of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda to negotiate the escalating conflict in the DRC, a UN spokesman commented.

When asked about the information concerning the conversation, Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for the UN secretary-general, replied at a regular briefing, “The secretary-general obviously discussed the situation in the DRC, and he’s been very clear both publicly and privately for the need for Rwanda to cease support to the March 23 Movement and withdraw from the DRC.”

The M23 rebels occupied portions of Goma, the largest city of eastern DRC, while Rwanda has been denying allegations that its troops were in the DRC, supporting M23 rebels.

The spokesman furtherly added that during the call with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Guterres emphasized the need to protect civilians in the DRC’s fighting.

In a statement, the UN chief said that he was deeply concerned by the worsening violence in the eastern DRC, and restated his strongest condemnation of the M23’s ongoing offensive and advances toward Goma. He called on the M23 to immediately cease all hostile actions and withdraw from all the areas taken.

Dujarric also said at the briefing the situation in Goma remains stiff and elegant.

“M23 forces were said to be inside the city and UN peacekeeping personnel and troops have largely been forced to shelter in their bases,” he told reporters.

“Medical facilities in Goma are reportedly burdened, and essential services have obviously been disrupted.”

The spokesman said the M23 are in control of the airport, and armed clashes continue in multiple regions of the state , including in Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyiragongo, further displacing civilians.

Dujarric said that if the situation is calm on Wednesday, “We expect aid workers to resume their efforts to respond to the enormous humanitarian needs.”

Editor : Josephine Mahachi