In a decisive televised speech, President Félix Tshisekedi pledges a "vigorous and coordinated response" to the M23 rebels' advance, urging national solidarity amidst growing tensions and humanitarian concerns.
DR Congo's President Promises Strong Action Against M23 Rebels
DR Congo's President Promises Strong Action Against M23 Rebels
Congolese leader calls for unity as humanitarian crisis deepens in Goma
As the conflict escalates, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government authority in the eastern region, specifically in Goma, where M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have gained significant ground. In a recent address to the nation, Tshisekedi denounced the rebels as "terrorists" and emphasized the urgent need for a robust military response. He expressed frustration with the international community's perceived inaction during this mounting security crisis.
With the ongoing offensive displacing around 500,000 people, the humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating, leading to severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, water, and electricity in Goma. The United Nations has raised alarms regarding the potential for a wider humanitarian catastrophe if the conflict continues unchecked.
During the address, Tshisekedi called for national unity, rallying all Congolese to support the armed forces in reclaiming their territory. "The Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed. We will fight and we will triumph," he declared passionately.
A regional summit convened by Kenya's President William Ruto, which Tshisekedi chose to bypass, urged a peaceful resolution to the conflict and emphasized the need for dialogue among all parties involved, including M23 and other aggrieved armed factions. Regional leaders from Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Somalia also participated, stressing the importance of direct communication to address grievances.
Tshisekedi acknowledged the contributions of South African and UN peacekeepers, recalling the sacrifice of 13 South African soldiers who lost their lives during the M23's offensive. The tensions between South Africa and Rwanda have been exacerbated by recent accusations from leaders of both nations, indicating the fragile state of cooperation within the region.
In light of these developments, Angola has called for urgent talks between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in Luanda, as both nations seek to navigate the ongoing complexities of the crisis. Past peace efforts led by both the East African Community and Angola have struggled to yield lasting solutions, leaving the future of Goma and its inhabitants uncertain.
With the situation rapidly evolving, the international community watches closely as the Congolese government faces mounting pressure to stabilize the region and confront the realities of a humanitarian disaster.
With the ongoing offensive displacing around 500,000 people, the humanitarian situation is rapidly deteriorating, leading to severe shortages of basic necessities, including food, water, and electricity in Goma. The United Nations has raised alarms regarding the potential for a wider humanitarian catastrophe if the conflict continues unchecked.
During the address, Tshisekedi called for national unity, rallying all Congolese to support the armed forces in reclaiming their territory. "The Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed. We will fight and we will triumph," he declared passionately.
A regional summit convened by Kenya's President William Ruto, which Tshisekedi chose to bypass, urged a peaceful resolution to the conflict and emphasized the need for dialogue among all parties involved, including M23 and other aggrieved armed factions. Regional leaders from Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Somalia also participated, stressing the importance of direct communication to address grievances.
Tshisekedi acknowledged the contributions of South African and UN peacekeepers, recalling the sacrifice of 13 South African soldiers who lost their lives during the M23's offensive. The tensions between South Africa and Rwanda have been exacerbated by recent accusations from leaders of both nations, indicating the fragile state of cooperation within the region.
In light of these developments, Angola has called for urgent talks between the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in Luanda, as both nations seek to navigate the ongoing complexities of the crisis. Past peace efforts led by both the East African Community and Angola have struggled to yield lasting solutions, leaving the future of Goma and its inhabitants uncertain.
With the situation rapidly evolving, the international community watches closely as the Congolese government faces mounting pressure to stabilize the region and confront the realities of a humanitarian disaster.
