The M23 rebel group is ignoring the ceasefire starting on Tuesday in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a UN spokesman said.
“Our peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, indicated that fighting between Congolese army and M23 armed group continues in North Kivu province.
“This is despite the ceasefire,” said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
The M23 rebellion is an armed conflict in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The armed conflict occurred between the March 23 Movement and government forces between April 4, 2012, and Nov. 7, 2013.
Haq said the ceasefire complies with recent decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa.
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Clashes were also reported on Monday in parts of Rutshuru and Masisi territories and in the town of Sake.
“The secretary-general called on the M23 to respect the ceasefire.
“This is to create conditions for its full and effective withdrawal from all occupied areas in eastern DRC,” the spokesman said.
He recalls the UN chief’s appeal on Monday.
“He condemns all violence against civilians and renews his call on all Congolese and foreign armed groups to lay down their weapons and disarm unconditionally.”
Role of peacekeepers assigned to the UN mission is to support Congolese army and protect civilians, MONUSCO chief, Bintou Keita, has said. (Xinhua)
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