Armed men travel in a pickup truck, devoid of any insignia or markings, as they drive through an empty street in Goma. AFP
In a statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed its regret over the loss of lives and injuries among members of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
It also extended its heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and the governments of South Africa and Uruguay.
Earlier Monday, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed to have captured Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo.
The United Nations reported widespread panic among the city’s two million residents, while the Congolese government described the rebel advance as a “declaration of war.”
On Saturday evening, Congo severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda, which continues to deny supporting the M23 rebels.
The recent surge in violence has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 UN peacekeepers over the past week.
In its statement, The foreign ministry said Cairo underscores the importance of respecting the sovereignty of the DRC and adhering to ceasefire agreements.
It called for de-escalation and the immediate cessation of all hostilities, reiterating Cairo's support for the efforts of the African Union and regional actors to defuse the crisis.
The Egyptian embassy in Kinshasa is closely monitoring the situation of Egyptian nationals residing in the city of Goma in eastern DRC, the foreign ministry said.
The embassy remains in contact with members of the Egyptian community to ensure their safety and well-being.
It also urges citizens to avoid tension areas and exercise the utmost caution to safeguard their security and safety, added the foreign ministry.
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