African Union Commission Chairman has called for de-escalation of tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, even as he warned Western powers against interference in internal affairs of the two states.
In a statement on Wednesday, Faki said he was deeply concerned by the continued tension in the eastern DRC and called for presidents Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi to dialogue through the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
“He calls on the leaders of the region, particularly those of the DRC and Rwanda, to favor dialogue within the framework of the two African mechanisms led respectively by HE Joâo Lorenzo President of the Republic of Angola and HE Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya, purposes of agreeing, in a fraternal collaborative spirit, on a reasonable approach to resolving political disputes whatever their nature,” the statement said.
He called on all foreign powers to completely refrain from any interference in the internal affairs of all African countries, particularly those of the African Great Lakes, adding that the integrity, security, sovereignty and stability of all States in the region must be ensured and the lives of civilian populations fully protected.
“The President of the Commission strongly recalls that there will be no military solution to the problems and differences within the African family,” he said.
Tensions have been escalating between Rwanda and DRC, even as M23 rebel group advances towards Goma.
Congolese have also been protesting against the West, holding demonstrations outside the embassies of France, Belgium, the UK and the US. They accuse them of supporting Rwanda, which has been fingered for backing the M23 rebel group.
On Monday, protesters gathered at the US and French embassies, and the offices of the UN mission, despite security being increased after UN staff and vehicles were attacked on Saturday.
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