Dr Congo: President Tshisekedi vows to restore control amid M23 rebel advances

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has pledged a strong response to the escalating security crisis in the east of the country, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of the city of Goma and are reportedly advancing further south.

In a televised address, President Tshisekedi assured the nation that a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels, whom he referred to as “terrorists,” was already in motion.

The M23 rebels’ months-long offensive has sparked widespread concerns over a looming humanitarian crisis and has intensified international pressure to end the fighting. Tshisekedi sharply criticized the international community for what he described as “inaction,” accusing them of failing to adequately respond to the growing violence.

During his address, the president called on all Congolese to unite in support of the army’s efforts to retake control of the region.

He declared, “The Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed. We will fight and we will triumph.”

The conflict has already displaced approximately 500,000 people, further exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.

The city of Goma, under siege by the rebels, has been left without basic services such as electricity, water, and food, according to the UN.

Meanwhile, an East African regional summit held virtually on Wednesday, convened by Kenyan President William Ruto, urged a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

However, President Tshisekedi snubbed the summit, continuing to reject direct talks with the M23, demanding that only Rwanda be involved in negotiations. The summit also called for a joint summit with leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to deliberate on a peaceful solution.