WASHINGTON (CHATNEWSTV) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi to intensify efforts to address the crisis in eastern Congo, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of armed groups.
In a call Friday, Blinken thanked Tshisekedi for his engagement in the Luanda Process, spearheaded by Angolan President João Lourenço, and commended his participation in December 15 talks aimed at resolving the conflict.
“The Secretary reiterated the U.S. position that M23 and Rwandan Defense Forces must cease hostilities and withdraw from their positions in eastern DRC,” State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a readout of the conversation.
Blinken also urged Tshisekedi to act decisively against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), another armed group contributing to instability in the region.
The Secretary welcomed Tshisekedi’s collaboration with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is mediating negotiations with the M23 rebel group.
The crisis in eastern Congo has drawn international concern, with armed groups continuing to displace thousands and disrupt peace efforts in the mineral-rich region.
