Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has pledged a decisive military response to reclaim control of eastern DR Congo from M23 rebels, whom he accused of being backed by Rwanda.
In a televised address on Wednesday night, Tshisekedi condemned the rebel group’s capture of Goma and its continued push southward. He announced a “vigorous and coordinated response” to counter the insurgents and criticized the international community’s inaction amid the escalating crisis.
Calling on all Congolese citizens to support the army, Tshisekedi vowed that the nation would not bow to “humiliation” and would ultimately defeat the rebels. The conflict has already displaced over 500,000 people, worsening humanitarian conditions, with Goma facing severe shortages of electricity, water, and food.
Despite a virtual summit of East African leaders urging dialogue with all armed groups, Tshisekedi rejected direct talks with M23, insisting on discussions only with Rwanda. He also expressed gratitude to the South African Development Community (SADC) and UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in the conflict, including 13 South African troops killed in Goma.
Tensions between South Africa and Rwanda have escalated, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accusing Rwanda of involvement in the deaths, a claim rejected by President Paul Kagame. Meanwhile, reports suggest M23 is advancing toward Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city, as the Congolese army attempts to establish defensive positions.
Angola has called for urgent peace talks, while international pressure on Rwanda has intensified. The U.S., EU, and China have urged Rwanda to withdraw from DR Congo, and both the UK and Germany have threatened to cut aid in response to the violence. The UK has placed £32 million in bilateral aid under review, while Germany has canceled planned aid discussions with Rwanda.
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