Ban sees no military solution to DRC woes

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 27 (UPI) -- There is no military solution to the crisis simmering in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday.

A rebellion waged by members of the March 23 Movement in eastern DRC has led to about 500,000 people fleeing the region. M23 rebels are accused of committing war crimes in the country's eastern provinces.

Ban told leaders from DRC, Rwanda and the African Union that there is no military solution to the conflict.

"We must consider concrete options to bring about a peaceful resolution that is based on enhanced dialogue, deepening integration, and regional confidence-building," he said in a statement. "The regional and sub-regional actors most affected are in the best position to help respond to it."

DRC President Joseph Kabila told the U.N. General Assembly this week that efforts toward peace in his country were thwarted by militants in the eastern provinces.

Ban said he was "deeply disturbed" by reports of child soldiers within the ranks of M23.

"These atrocities must be stopped," he said.

U.N. peacekeepers in the region have worked in support of the DRC military.