Concern Over Security in Eastern DRC Growing

M23 rebels continue to pose a threat to stability

LONDON, May 24 (UPI) -- The work of a U.N. intervention brigade in DRC may encourage stability though there are growing concerns about renewed fighting, a British minister said.

British Foreign Office Minister for Africa Mark Simmonds said he supported the work of a special unit within the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has a mandate for offensive operations.

The rebel March 23 Movement mutinied last year, accusing the DRC government of failing to uphold a peace agreement that saw the integration of some rebels into the national military. Simmonds said all parties to the re-emerging conflict should respect the laws of war.