New York – US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday led calls at the United Nations for an end to foreign backing for rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kerry

Without naming any country – but in a message aimed at Rwanda – Kerry said the United States is “deeply concerned” about reports of new external support for M23 rebels battling government forces.

“I want to be emphatic here today, all parties must immediately end their support for armed rebel groups. All governments must hold human rights violators and abusers accountable,” Kerry told a special UN Security Council meeting on the conflict in the country.

The Security Council, which currently includes Rwanda, also agreed a statement calling for “non-interference” in DRC affairs.

UN experts have said Rwanda is helping the M23 rebels massed around the major eastern city of Goma. Fighting around Goma in the past two weeks has left hundreds dead.

Rwanda has strongly denied any involvement in the renewed conflict.