UK summons Rwandan envoy after M23 advances in eastern Congo

By Aysu Bicer

LONDON (AA) - The UK government on Tuesday summoned the Rwandan high commissioner following the advance of the Rwandan Defense Force and the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, calling it an "unacceptable violation" of the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in a statement urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces immediately and return to diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.

"The UK strongly condemns the advances of the Rwandan Defense Force and M23 in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)," the spokesperson said.

"These advances constitute an unacceptable violation of DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Government of Rwanda must immediately withdraw all Rwanda Defense Force troops from Congolese territory."

The M23 rebels on Sunday captured the city of Bukavu, after seizing Goma last month. At least 3,000 people, including peacekeepers, were killed and thousands displaced in the Goma fighting.

Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, an accusation Kigali has rejected.