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France ‘Very Concerned’ About Intensified DRC, M23 Fighting


FILE — French President Emmanuel Macron leads a "Prise d'armes" military ceremony in Paris, on February 19, 2024.
FILE — French President Emmanuel Macron leads a "Prise d'armes" military ceremony in Paris, on February 19, 2024.

KINSHASA — France said on Tuesday it was "very concerned" about the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where there is intensified fighting between M23 rebels and pro-government forces.

French authorities say Rwanda must cease its alleged support for the M23 rebel group which has recently stepped up its offensive in the region.

"France condemns the continuation of the M23 offensives with the support of Rwanda, and the presence of Rwandan forces on Congolese territory," read a statement released by French authorities.

"We call on Rwanda to cease all support for the M23 and to withdraw from Congolese territory," the statement added.

Paris said it supports a regional mediation process to end the ongoing conflict between pro-government forces in DRC and their rivals.

The sentiments by Paris were an addition to growing international pressure on Rwanda to cease supporting M23 rebels.

Kigali denies backing the M23, although the United States, DRC, and a United Nations group of experts have said that Rwanda funds and fights alongside the rebel group.

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