DRC President Pledges Strong Action Against M23 Rebels

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to reassert government control in the east of the country, where M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have captured the city of Goma and are advancing southward.

In a televised address, Tshisekedi condemned the insurgents as “terrorists” and assured the nation of a “vigorous and coordinated response” to reclaim lost territory.

He also criticized the international community for its lack of action amid the escalating crisis.

The M23 offensive, ongoing for weeks, has triggered warnings of a looming humanitarian catastrophe and intensified calls for an end to the fighting.

The conflict has already displaced approximately 500,000 people, with Goma experiencing severe shortages of electricity, water, and food.

Tshisekedi called on all Congolese to unite in support of the army. “Be sure of one thing: The Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed.

We will fight and we will triumph,” he declared.

A virtual summit of the East African Community (EAC), convened by Kenyan President William Ruto, urged dialogue between the DR Congo government, M23 rebels, and other armed groups.

However, Tshisekedi refused to participate, maintaining his stance that he will only engage in talks with Rwanda, not the M23.

The EAC also proposed a joint meeting with leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to discuss a way forward.

DR Congo is a member of both blocs.

Meanwhile, tensions between South Africa and Rwanda have escalated following the deaths of 13 South African peacekeepers in Goma.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blamed M23 and Rwandan forces for the casualties, prompting a sharp response from Rwandan President Paul Kagame.

In a post on X, Kagame accused Ramaphosa of misrepresenting their private discussions and warned that if South Africa sought confrontation, Rwanda was prepared to respond.

Amid rising tensions, Angola has urged urgent talks between Tshisekedi and Kagame in Luanda, hoping to revive stalled peace efforts.

Previous mediation attempts, including EAC-led and Luanda peace talks, have so far failed to bring lasting stability to eastern DR Congo.

BBC/Patience Ameh