Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has pledged to restore government control in the eastern region, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized the city of Goma and are advancing south.
In a televised address, Tshisekedi vowed a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels, whom he labeled “terrorists.”
He criticized the international community for inaction, citing the escalating security crisis and looming humanitarian disaster.
The rebels’ weeks-long offensive has displaced approximately 500,000 people, exacerbating the existing humanitarian crisis, according to the UN. The city faces severe shortages of electricity, water, and food.
Tshisekedi urged all Congolese to unite and support the army’s efforts to retake control.
“The Democratic Republic of Congo will not be humiliated or crushed. We will fight, and we will triumph,” he declared.
An East African regional bloc virtual summit, convened by Kenya’s President William Ruto, called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The summit, attended by Rwanda’s Paul Kagame and other regional leaders, urged Tshisekedi’s government to engage directly with the M23 and other armed groups.
However, Tshisekedi has refused to negotiate with the M23, insisting on talks with Rwanda instead.
