Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has pledged to restore government authority in the eastern region, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Goma and are advancing south. In a televised address, Tshisekedi vowed a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels, whom he labeled “terrorists”.
The president criticized the international community for its “inaction” in addressing the escalating security crisis. The rebels’ weeks-long offensive has displaced approximately 500,000 people, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis, according to the UN. The city of Goma has been cut off from essential services like electricity, water, and food.
Tshisekedi rallied the Congolese people to support the army’s efforts to retake control, stating, “The Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed. We will fight and we will triumph.”
Meanwhile, an East African regional bloc virtual summit, convened by Kenya’s President William Ruto, called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The summit was attended by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, among other regional leaders. They urged the DR Congo government to engage directly with the M23 and other armed groups.
The conflict in DR Congo has been ongoing, with the M23 rebels seeking control of key territories. The situation has raised concerns about a looming humanitarian crisis and prompted international pressure to end the fighting.
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