For the first time since the M23 movement captured the city of Goma and reportedly continued its advance into South Kivu towards Bukavu, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has addressed the nation.
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In his speech, Tshisekedi assured Congolese citizens of a “strong and well-prepared response” against those he referred to as “terrorists and their supporters.” He explicitly accused the Rwandan army and M23 movement of continuing what he termed “terrorist attacks against civilians in the eastern part of the country.”
The president stated that he had convened meetings with various national security bodies to strategize on how “to reclaim the occupied territories of our country.” As part of this initiative, he announced the appointment of a new military governor for North Kivu, Major General Somo Kakule, who reportedly arrived in Beni on Wednesday to begin his duties.
Tshisekedi also paid tribute to civilians, government troops, Wazalendo militia, soldiers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission known as SAMIDRC, and MONUSCO peacekeepers who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict. He made special mention of Major General Peter Cirimwami, who was killed in action last week.
Accusing Rwanda of violating international agreements on national sovereignty, Tshisekedi warned that such actions were “intolerable” and could have “unforeseen consequences that threaten the stability of the Great Lakes region.”
The Rwandan government, on the other hand, has accused Kinshasa of collaborating with the FDLR, a rebel group opposed to Kigali. Rwanda has also criticized Tshisekedi for allegedly seeking to change the government in Kigali.
In a firm tone, Tshisekedi declared: “Know this DR Congo will never allow itself to be humiliated or trampled upon. We will fight, and we will win.”
He also announced budget cuts in public sector expenditures to reallocate more resources to the military and called on private businesses to contribute to the war effort. Addressing the youth, he urged them to “heed the call of the nation” and actively participate in strengthening the country’s defense forces.
“We must continue to reinforce our military, and every young person has a role to play in our armed forces. Join in large numbers,” he emphasized.
