Luanda: The President of Angola, Joo Lourenço, has expressed concern over the worsening conditions in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which pose a threat to peace and security in the region. According to Angola Press News Agency, a communiqué has been released highlighting that the deterioration is primarily occurring in the provinces of Kivu North and Kivu South. The escalation of attacks by the M23 group and their illegal occupation of territories and cities such as Sake and Minova are cited as significant contributors to the conflict's progression. The rising tensions have severe implications for the already fragile humanitarian situation, particularly around Goma City, now besieged. The Angolan President strongly condemns the actions of the M23 group and its backers, stating that these actions jeopardize the efforts and progress achieved under the Luanda Process aimed at peacefully resolving the conflict. The communiqué also urges all parties involved in the conflict to up hold human rights, protect civilians, and ensure the safety of the forces part of the Enhanced Ad Hoc Verification Mechanism (EAM-R) stationed in Goma as part of the facilitation efforts. Joo Lourenço reaffirmed that a military solution is not viable for the security challenges in the eastern DRC and called for immediate negotiations between the conflicting parties.