African Union Chairperson calls for calm between Rwanda and DRC

131
1
African Union Chairperson calls for calm between Rwanda and DRC

Senegalese president Macky Sall makes a statement after visiting Mame Abdou Aziz Sy Dabakh's public hospital, where 11 newborns died in a fire on May 27, 2022 in the western town of Tivaouane. SEYLLOU AFP DAKAR Chairperson of the African Union AU has called for calm and dialogue between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC, expressed concern over the rising tension between the two neighbors.

I call for calm and dialogue between the two countries, and for the peaceful resolution of the crisis with the support of regional mechanisms and the African Union, Senegalese President and current AU chief Macky Sall said on social media.

Sall said on Twitter that he was concerned by the rising tension between Rwanda and the DRC.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting March 23 Movement M 23 rebels in North Kivu, a province in eastern DRC, an accusation denied by Kigali. Over the past few days, fighting between the DRC army and M 23 rebels in North Kivu has forced thousands of civilians to flee their homes.

On Saturday, the Rwanda Defense Force RDF called for the release of two Rwandan soldiers held by FDLR rebels in the DRC.

ALSO READ: 35 civilians killed in DRC as deteriorating situation delays aid.

The RDF said the two soldiers were kidnapped while on patrol and accused DRC armed forces of launching an attack along the border, together with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda FDLR.