AU Urges "Maximum Restraint" as Congo Violence Kills 400, Displaces 200,000

The African Union (AU) has issued an urgent call for calm following a major escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The clashes have resulted in the deaths of more than 400 civilians and forced 200,000 people from their homes. In a statement, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed deep concern. He specifically called for "maximum restraint" from all sides involved in the conflict. The chairperson also condemned the targeting of civilians. He urged all groups to protect non-combatants and respect international law. The eastern DRC has faced decades of conflict involving numerous armed groups. This recent surge in fighting represents a severe humanitarian crisis for the region. The AU statement did not assign blame to a single party. It instead emphasized the immediate need to stop the violence and focus on dialogue.