Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo — President Felix Tshisekedi has declared that the country’s armed forces are mounting a “vigorous and coordinated” response against the M23 rebels advancing in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
In a televised address on Wednesday night, Tshisekedi condemned the international community’s “silence and inaction” amid the escalating crisis, calling it an “affront” in the face of an “unprecedented worsening of the security situation.”
The M23 armed group, allegedly backed by neighboring Rwanda, has seized vast territories in eastern DRC, including significant portions of the strategic city of Goma. The city, home to over a million people and a crucial hub between Lake Kivu and the Rwandan border, has witnessed intense clashes, causing residents to fear for their safety.
“The advance of these Rwanda-backed fighters could lead straight to an escalation in the broader Great Lakes region,” warned Tshisekedi, highlighting the potential for regional instability.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. According to the United Nations, half a million people have been displaced this month alone, facing shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
“Today we are not afraid,” said Jean de Dieu, a resident of Goma. “But the lack of electricity means we’re cut off from the world.” The city’s hospitals are overwhelmed, with reports of over 100 dead and nearly 1,000 wounded from recent clashes.
Calls for Peaceful Resolution
Despite international pressure for a peaceful settlement, tensions between the DRC and Rwanda remain high. Tshisekedi declined to attend crisis talks with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, while the regional East African Community urged the DRC to engage directly with all stakeholders, including the M23.
Kagame, in a message to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, stated that his country is “in no position to take on the role of a peacemaker or mediator” in the situation.
International Response
The United Nations, the United States, China, and the European Union have called on Rwanda to withdraw its forces from the DRC. However, Rwanda’s ambassador-at-large for the Great Lakes region, Vincent Karega, indicated that the M23’s advance “will continue,” suggesting the possibility of further progression beyond the east.
Underlying Issues
The DRC’s eastern regions have been plagued by conflict for decades, involving numerous armed groups. The turmoil traces back, in part, to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The area is rich in valuable minerals like gold, cobalt, and coltan, essential for batteries and electronics worldwide.
Kinshasa accuses Kigali of orchestrating the offensive to exploit these resources — a claim supported by UN experts who report that Rwanda has thousands of troops in the DRC and maintains “de facto control” over the M23. Rwanda denies these allegations, with President Kagame refuting any military involvement.
Looking Ahead
As the situation remains volatile, the residents of eastern DRC are caught in the crossfire, hoping for stability and peace. The international community watches closely, with potential repercussions for the entire Great Lakes region if the conflict escalates further.
