Rwanda-DR Congo Tension: AU chief urges calm, dialogue

The chairperson of the African Union (AU) on Monday called for a “calm and dialogue” between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a tweet, Senegalese President and current AU chief Macky Sall expressed grave concern over the rising tension between the neighbours.
“I call for calm and dialogue between the two countries and for the peaceful resolution of the crisis with the support of regional mechanisms and the African Union,” said Mr Sall. “I am seriously concerned by the rising tension between Rwanda and the DRC.”
The DRC accused Rwanda of supporting March 23 Movement (M23) rebels in North Kivu, a province in eastern DRC.
Kigali denied the accusation.
Over the past few days, fighting has raged between the DRC army and M23 rebels in North Kivu, forcing thousands of civilians to flee their homes.
On Saturday, the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) called for the release of two Rwandan soldiers held by the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) rebels in the DRC.
The RDF said the two soldiers were kidnapped while on patrol and accused DRC armed forces, together with the FDLR of launching an attack along the border.
(Xinhua/NAN)
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