The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, has expressed concerns over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a statement on January 25, Faki called for the strict observance of the ceasefire agreed between the parties and the immediate cessation of all hostilities.
"The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is following with great attention the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo," read the communique issued on Saturday.
"He notes with deep concern the threats that such developments pose to the tireless and significant efforts undertaken within the framework of the two African mechanisms, notably the Luanda process led by President Joao Manuel Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola."
He urged all parties involved to prioritize the safety of civilians.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission also reiterated his unwavering support for initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, as well as between the Congolese government and political-military opposition groups.
“The African Union is committed to ensuring peace and stability in the region. I urge the international community to mobilize all possible support for the affected populations,” Faki said.
Some 400,000 people have been displaced in North and South Kivu since the beginning of this year alone, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.
Highlighting the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold largely unseen by the outside world, UNHCR spokesperson Matt Saltmarsh reported that “bombs have fallen” on camps for people uprooted by the violence in South and North Kivu.
These attacks include one on 20 January, when explosions at Kitalaga site in South Kivu killed two children.
On 21 January, five makeshift shelters were destroyed in Nzuolo, near Goma, while on Wednesday, Bushagara site - also near Goma - was “heavily impacted, causing panic and new waves of forced displacement”, Mr. Saltmarsh told journalists in Geneva.
