President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC has vowed to combat M23 rebels advancing from Goma, criticizing international inaction regarding the humanitarian crisis. He urged citizens to support military efforts and acknowledged the sacrifices of regional and UN forces. The conflict has intensified tensions, particularly between South Africa and Rwanda, as diplomatic efforts continue to seek a resolution.
President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has publicly committed to a strong response against the advancing M23 rebels, who have taken control of Goma and are moving further south. During a televised address, he labeled the rebels as “terrorists” and criticized the international community for its perceived inaction amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Tshisekedi urged all Congolese citizens to unite in support of the military’s operations to regain control. 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 displaced approximately 500,000 people, exacerbating a growing humanitarian emergency marked by shortages of vital resources such as electricity, water, and food.
In response to the escalating violence, an East African regional summit recently convened to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis. This summit, which included leaders from Rwanda and other regional countries, emphasized the necessity for dialogue between the DRC government and the M23, as well as other armed groups.
President Tshisekedi expressed appreciation for the South African Development Community’s soldiers currently engaged in combat alongside DRC forces and for the sacrifices made by United Nations personnel. The ongoing conflict has heightened regional tensions, particularly between South Africa and Rwanda, following accusations regarding the involvement of Rwandan forces in the conflict.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame responded firmly to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s claims regarding Rwandan involvement, expressing Rwanda’s readiness for confrontation if required. This exchange between the leaders represents a considerable escalation in the already fragile relations between South Africa and Rwanda.
The Angolan government has called for urgent meetings between the DRC and Rwandan leaders in Luanda to address the situation, reflecting on previous mediation efforts that have not yielded successful outcomes. Tshisekedi’s recent visit to Angola reflects ongoing discussions aimed at negotiating peace in the region, although prior initiatives have struggled to resolve the underlying issues with the M23 and other armed factions.
The current conflict in the DRC primarily involves the M23 rebel group, which has been perceived to have support from Rwanda. The situation in Eastern DRC has been deteriorating, leading to international condemnation and concerns over a potential humanitarian crisis for the displaced populations. The DRC government’s response has been intensified military efforts to reclaim lost territory, alongside calls for international engagement in peacebuilding efforts with involved regional stakeholders.
In conclusion, President Félix Tshisekedi has underscored his government’s commitment to responding vigorously against the M23 rebels in Goma, emphasizing unity among Congolese citizens in this fight. The ongoing conflict has deeply affected the population and worsened humanitarian conditions, necessitating immediate international and regional diplomatic efforts to seek resolutions. The engagement of Angolan mediation highlights the complex nature of the situation and the importance of dialogue in addressing grievances on all sides.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
