UAE expresses concern over DRC developments

The UAE has expressed deep concern over the developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as an armed rebel group seized a strategic city in its eastern region in the strongest recent escalation over the decades-long conflict. 

Emirati Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan stressed the need to maintain security and the territorial integrity of the DRC, calling for adherance to the ceasefire signed between the DRC and Rwanda last August. 

The official also condemned the killing of a number of international peacekeeping forces deployed in the region.

On Wednesday, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels took over Goma, the largest city in the east, in the latest development in the conflict with the Congolese army.

Local leaders said over 200 civilians have been killed in areas captured by M23 rebels, as well as 14 members of a peacekeeping force.