Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) President Felix Antoine Tshisekedi has vowed a forceful military response to M23 rebels, accusing Rwanda of supporting the armed group. In a televised address, he condemned both the international and African communities for their silence on the escalating border conflict.
Tshisekedi described the security situation in eastern DRC as unprecedented, alleging that the Rwandan defense forces are backing M23 rebels in committing “terrorist acts” against Congolese civilians. Recent clashes have left at least 25 people dead in Goma, nine in Rwanda, and hundreds injured, with 17 peacekeepers also killed.
The president reaffirmed the Congolese army’s commitment to defending national territory, calling Rwanda’s actions an “unacceptable provocation” that violates international principles. He criticized the inaction of the United Nations and the African Union, warning that their passivity amounts to complicity.
While Tshisekedi remains open to dialogue, he urged the Congolese population to mobilize and resist, instructing the government to implement a humanitarian emergency plan for those displaced by the conflict.