The Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has expressed deep concern over deteriorating security situations in the Great Lakes region, in particular the south Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as well in Cibitoke province of Burundi.
In a statement issued late Thursday, the the AUC Chairperson expressed regrets over the new clashes and the violence, affecting the civilian populations in south Kivu and Cibitoke province.
It said the clashes occurred against the Doha Framework Agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Movements of 23 March (AFC/M23), as well as the Washington Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda.
He urged all stakeholders to exercise restraint and to prioritise a political solution.
Youssouf expressed his solidarity, and that of the African Union, with the affected civilian populations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
He reiterated the African Union’s long-standing position that lasting peace in the Great Lakes region can only be realised on full respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
In this regard, he reiterated the condemnation of any attempt to establish a parallel administration in eastern DRC.
Youssouf further called on all states in the region to honour their commitments under the Addis Ababa Framework Agreement and to fully comply with the Pact on Non-Aggression and Mutual Defense of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region.
He reaffirmed AU’s readiness to work closely with all regional and international stakeholders with a view to reinvigorating a regional security dialogue aimed at bringing an end to instability in the Great Lakes region.
MG/as/APA