The African Media Network for the Promotion of Health and Environment (REMAPSEN) has condemned the recent killings in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and expressed support for the people affected by the violence.
A statement signed by the president of REMAPSEN, Mr Bamba Youssouf, made available to newsmen, expressed deep concerns over the increasing killings in mostly the Eastern DRC, where various rebel groups, including the M23 rebel forces allegedly backed by the Rwandan government, have perpetrated violence against hapless citizens.
The statement further explained that as an organisation engaged in promoting health and the environment, REMAPSEN is deeply disturbed by the heavy losses of human life and the destructive humanitarian crisis arising from the conflict.
Bamba, however, assured of REMAPSEN’s strong commitment to promoting health and the environment, acknowledging the tragic consequences of ongoing conflicts in DRC.
“We cannot overlook the hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries resulting from this barbarity,” stated REMAPSEN’s president, Youssouf, even as he emphasised the organisation’s dedication to supporting the people of the DRC, a nation rich in resources.
President Youssouf also expressed solidarity with REMAPSEN colleagues in the DRC directly affected by the conflict, saying, “Whether at the central, regional, or national levels, we stand with our people.”
REMAPSEN’s position is in line with the African Union’s ongoing efforts to foster peace and stability in the region. The African Union has been at the forefront among those working to address the crisis through the Nairobi and Luanda processes, which focus on promoting dialogue and reconciliation among the parties involved.
LEADERSHIP had earlier reported that the European Union (EU) has also been vocal about the DRC situation. In a recent statement, all 27 member states of the EU agreed on one position: the EU strongly condemned the renewed offensive of the M23 rebel forces supported by Rwandan Armed forces, including the capture of Goma.
The EU stated that the continued advance of the M23 rebels is an unacceptable violation of the agreed ceasefire because it further deepens the disastrous humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. The EU discussed the situation in the DRC last Monday at the Foreign Affairs Council, which is the monthly meeting of the 27 Member states’ foreign ministers chaired by the high representative.
In that format, the member -states condemned the recent takeover of Goma by the M23 rebels and expressed their readiness to take measures against those that endanger peace and stability in the DRC.
