The United States on Friday condemned the attack from Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) and M23 positions on the Mugunga camp for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This attack has caused the deaths of at least nine persons and wounded at least 33 others, many of whom were women and children.
Mr Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson said: ” We are gravely concerned about the recent RDF and M23 expansion in eastern DRC. ::
The expansion, he said has contributed to the displacement of more than 2.5 million people.
He called on both parties to respect human rights and adhere to applicable obligations under international humanitarian law.
It is essential that all states respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and hold accountable all actors for human rights abuses in the conflict in eastern DRC.
We continue to support regional diplomatic efforts, he said.
He called on all parties to take steps to de-escalate tensions, avoid endangering civilian populations, and participate constructively in dialogue to create conditions for a negotiated solution and lasting peace.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) had also strongly condemn the bombing.
The three sites for internally displaced persons (IDP) in the Lac Vert, Lushagala, and Mugunga neighbourhoods of Goma, North Kivu, in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo were attacked.
The explosions killed and injured civilians and damaged shelters and other humanitarian structures.
“We condemn in the strongest terms this shocking, merciless, and horrendous act of violence that claimed the lives of children, displaced people and host communities in the cruellest way,” said Angele Dikongue-Atangana, UNHCR’s Representative to the DRC.
“The civilian population of North Kivu province has witnessed the worst humanitarian violations for over two years in this bloody attrition. UNHCR calls for all actors to halt this senseless violence and to respect the sanctity of protected humanitarian sites.
We also echo the calls by displaced families themselves for peace, which is urgently needed in Eastern DRC.”