Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government control in the east, where M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have seized Goma and are advancing south. In a televised address, he promised a “vigorous and coordinated response” to the rebel offensive, rejecting direct talks with M23 and insisting on engaging only with Rwanda.
Tshisekedi criticized the international community for its inaction, as the weeks-long conflict has displaced 500,000 people, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. Goma has been cut off from electricity and water, with food shortages intensifying.
The crisis has also heightened regional tensions. An East African Community (EAC) virtual summit convened by Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday urged DRC to directly engage with M23 and other armed groups, but Tshisekedi declined to participate. The meeting, attended by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and other regional leaders, called for a joint summit between EAC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to find a way forward.
SADC forces have been supporting the DRC army, with 13 South African peacekeepers killed in the latest clashes. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa blamed Rwanda for their deaths, prompting a sharp response from Kagame, who warned that Rwanda was ready for confrontation if necessary.
Angola, which previously mediated failed peace talks in December, has called for urgent dialogue between Tshisekedi and Kagame in Luanda. With past peace efforts failing to halt the violence, the region faces mounting pressure to find a diplomatic solution before the situation spirals further out of control.
