DR Congo’s President Vows to Reclaim Eastern Region from M23 Rebels
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has pledged to restore government control in the eastern region of the country, which has been overrun by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
In a televised address on Wednesday night, Tshisekedi announced a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels, whom he labeled as “terrorists.” He criticized the international community for its inaction as the security crisis escalates.
The M23 group has seized the key city of Goma and is advancing southward, posing a growing threat of territorial expansion. The ongoing conflict has displaced over 500,000 people, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. According to the United Nations, Goma is facing severe shortages of electricity, water, and food.
Tshisekedi urged all Congolese citizens to rally behind the army’s efforts, vowing that the country would not bow to “humiliation” and would emerge victorious. Despite international calls for negotiations, he has consistently refused direct talks with M23, instead insisting on diplomatic engagement with Rwanda.
While East African leaders, including Rwandan President Paul Kagame, convened a virtual summit calling for peaceful dialogue, Tshisekedi declined to participate. Meanwhile, Angola has urged urgent discussions between the Congolese and Rwandan governments to revive peace efforts under the East African Community framework.
Tensions have further escalated following the deaths of 13 South African peacekeepers in Goma. Tshisekedi expressed gratitude for the sacrifices of South African Development Community (SADC) and UN forces. In response to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s accusation of Rwandan involvement in the attack, Kagame dismissed the claim and warned of potential confrontation.
As M23 fighters push towards Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city, the Congolese army has set up defensive lines, though resistance has so far been weak.
International pressure on Rwanda has mounted, with the United States, European Union, and China calling for an immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DR Congo. The UK has placed £32 million in bilateral aid under review, while Germany has suspended planned aid talks with Rwanda.
Both the UN and DR Congo accuse Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, while Kigali denies the allegations, claiming that Congolese militias aim to overthrow the Rwandan government.
