In the face of increasing violence and international pressure, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced plans to form a national unity Government. This declaration comes as M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops, continue to capture major cities in the eastern region, including Goma and Bukavu, during a rapid offensive.
Tshisekedi, speaking to his ruling coalition this week-end, stressed the importance of unity and vowed to reach out to both the opposition and various factions to address the ongoing crisis.
The M23 rebels, who have been at the forefront of the conflict, claim they are fighting to protect ethnic Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent from discrimination, while seeking to transform Congo into a modern state. However, there are widespread accusations, including by the DRC government and U.N. experts, that Rwanda is supporting the M23 group. Rwanda has denied these claims, while tensions between the two countries continue to escalate. The ongoing violence has led to the deaths of approximately 3,000 people and further instability in the region.
In his address, Tshisekedi acknowledged the setbacks faced by the government but reaffirmed his commitment to bolstering the Congolese military and seeking unity. The DRC government has labelled the M23 group as a terrorist organisation, while international bodies, such as the United Nations and the United States, continue to view the rebels as an armed insurgent force. The situation remains complex, with both internal and external factors contributing to the escalating conflict in Congo.