DR Congo Vows Strong Military Response, Accuses Rwanda of Supporting M23 Rebels

The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, has pledged a robust military response to the escalating attacks by M23 rebels, accusing Rwanda of backing the insurgents and the international community of inaction over the growing border tensions.

In a televised address, Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda for continuing to support the M23 rebels, calling their actions “terrorist acts” that have devastated the eastern regions of Congo. The fighting has led to at least 25 deaths in Goma, with nine casualties in Rwanda, and hundreds more injured.

Tshisekedi described the situation as an unprecedented security crisis and condemned Rwanda for violating international agreements. Despite Rwanda’s denial of supporting the rebels, the Congolese president criticized both the African Union and the United Nations for their silence, calling their inaction “complicity.”

This week, clashes resulted in the deaths of 17 peacekeepers, with Tshisekedi vowing that his army is “fully mobilized” to defend Congo’s sovereignty. He called for national unity and resilience in the face of the ongoing conflict and instructed the government to implement an emergency humanitarian plan for the displaced.

Tshisekedi remains open to dialogue but emphasized that he would use all means necessary to protect his country. His statements come amid growing calls for international action to address the violence and ensure accountability for the atrocities committed in the region.