Foreign Secretary condemns M23 militia entering Goma
Foreign Secretary William Hague: "The M23 must withdraw their forces immediately and allow legitimate government control to be restored."
The Foreign Secretary said:
“I condemn in the strongest possible terms the entry into Goma by M23 militia on 20 November. The M23 must withdraw their forces immediately and allow legitimate government control to be restored. The cessation of hostilities and the protection of civilians is paramount. All armed forces in Eastern DRC should respect life and property and those responsible for crimes and human rights abuses will be held to account.
“I urge once more those with influence over the M23 to encourage them to stop fighting and to withdraw immediately. Mark Simmonds, FCO Minister for Africa, is on his way to the region where he will be discussing the situation in eastern DRC with counterparts as a matter of urgency.
“I call on all sides to work together to find a sustainable long term solution to the current crisis without recourse to further violence.
“FCO Travel Advice continues to advise British Nationals against all travel to eastern and north eastern DRC. The only exception to this is within the town of Bukavu where we advise against all but essential travel. I urge British Nationals to continue to monitor our Travel Advice over the coming days.”