Statements by the Press Secretary

January 28, 2025
Japanese
  1. It is extremely regrettable that March 23 Movement (M23) invaded in and around Goma, North Kivu Province, and Minova, South Kivu Province, in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which has resulted in numerous casualties among its citizens, displaced persons and refugees, security personnel, and personnel of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC). Japan expresses its sincere condolences to the victims and expresses its heartfelt sympathy to those who were injured.
    In particular, Japan is deeply concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground, which endangers the lives of civilians and displaced persons.
    Japan calls on M23 to immediately cease its attacks and withdraw, and on all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement and MONUSCO's mission to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access to those in need.
  2. As repeatedly pointed out by the Group of Experts for United Nations Sanctions Committee on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan is concerned about the support provided by the Rwanda Defence Forces toward M23 and its incursions into DRC territory, as well as cooperative relationship between the DRC government and the armed forces of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
  3. Japan believes that a diplomatic and political solution by the DRC, Rwanda, and other regional countries as well as securing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, based on the rule of law and human dignity, are important in order to achieve sustainable peace in the eastern DRC. Japan supports regional peace mediation efforts, including the Luanda Process and the Nairobi Process, and calls for the immediate resumption of negotiations for peace.

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