In this May 24, 2022 photo, people walk on the road near Kibumba, north of Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, as they flee the fighting between Congolese forces and M 23 rebels in North Kivu. MOSES SAWASAWA AP UN NATIONS - On Saturday, the United Nations expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC, given the increase in attacks against civilians and the presence of foreign armed groups.
We call for all armed groups to stop all forms of violence. According to Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, we urge Congolese armed groups to participate unconditionally in the disarmament, demobilization, community recovery and stabilization program, and foreign armed groups to immediately disarm and return to their countries of origin.
ALSO READ: DRC accuses Rwanda of sending disguised troops across the border.
We reaffirm our strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the DRC and strongly condemn the use of proxies. The spokesman said that they welcome and support ongoing national and regional political efforts to accompany the disarmament of armed groups including President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya through the Nairobi process.
He said that the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC is also working to promote non-military measures for the disarmament of foreign armed groups.
The United Nations welcomes the appointment of Angolan President Joao Lourenco by the African Union as a mediator to defuse tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, and fully supports these efforts, he said.
READ MORE: Fighting resumes between army, M 23 rebels in DR Congo
We are deeply concerned about reports of increased hate speech against some communities in the country, including in the context of the M 23 rebel group's resurgence. The spokesman said that hate speech must be confronted proactively.