Humanitarian Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The United States is deeply concerned by the worsening humanitarian situation in the eastern provinces of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC). The violence that has driven tens of thousands of civilians from their homes and placed
their lives at risk is deplorable. The U.S. calls on all parties to the Goma Agreements and the Nairobi Communiqué to
respect their commitments and renounce the use of arms. We call on the countries of the Great Lakes region to work
together to enhance stability and respect each other’s sovereignty.
The U.S. calls on the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) and its leader, Laurent Nkunda, to resume
discussions with the democratically elected and internationally recognized Congolese government, to avoid further
fighting, rescind its previous call for open revolt against the Congolese government, and return to its pre-August 28th
positions. The U.S. also calls on the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) to lay down its arms,
disband, and demobilize.
The U.S. reaffirms its support for the United Nations Mission in the Congo (MONUC), which has played a vital role in
protecting civilian populations and ending violence.
ENDS