CAIRO – 23 February 2025: Upon directives of President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty made on Saturday and Sunday phone calls with Congolese and Rwandan counterparts to discuss the "worrying developments eastern DR Congo."
The minister stressed the importance of de-escalation, pacification, self-restraint, and paving the way for a political settlement that defuses tensions, and restores stability in the region. He equally urged taking steps to alleviate the worsening humanitarian suffering among residents, shedding light on Egypt's readiness to provide any support needed to serve that purpose.
The minister also delivered the greetings of President Sisi to the chiefs of state of DR Congo and Rwanda, expressing desire to bolster bilateral cooperation with each.
Egypt expressed in January deep concerns about the seizure of Goma city eastern the Democratic Republic of Congo by the M23 militia, consisting of Rwandan members, which incurred the death of 17 UN peacekeepers and fleeing of thousands of hundreds.
The city, whose population size is around two million, experienced looting, jailbreak, and bodies on the streets. Also, hundreds of civilians got wounded as they got caught in a crossfire.
Egypt expressed condolences to South Africa and Uruguay for losing members at the UN peacekeeping mission. The country also stressed the necessity of respecting the Sovereignty of Congo, abiding by ceasefire agreements, containing escalation, and halting all hostile acts.
The statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed support to the African Union and regional parties aiming for resolving the crisis.
As for Egyptian expats in Goma, the ministry noted that the embassy in Kinshasa had been in contact with them, and urged them to avoid locations of fighting and exercise utmost caution.
Be Social
Comments
Leave a Comment