African leaders urged to resolve conflict in DR Congo
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Many civilians have been displaced by fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Leaders of countries in East and Central Africa have been asked by United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to make concerted efforts to resolve the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The eastern part of the country has faced attacks by a rebel group called M23 and other armed militias.
In a message to the mini-summit of the leaders of the Great Lakes region, Mr. Ban says that while there has been a lull in military activities by the M23 in North Kivu since July, the situation remains fragile.
UN Spokesperson Martin Nesirky has more.
"He called for the group's immediate and complete cessation of all destabilizing activities. He once again condemned the violence and serious human rights violations committed by the M23, as well as other armed groups, against civilians, and asked for thorough investigations. The Secretary-General added that he is deeply concerned at the continuing reports of external support to the M23 and he called for an end to all such support without delay." (Duration: 27")
The countries of the Great Lakes region include Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
