Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government authority in the eastern part of the country, which has been overrun by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Tshisekedi made the vow in a televised address on Wednesday night.
The group has seized control of the key city of Goma and is advancing southward, threatening to capture more territory.
Tshisekedi announced a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the rebels, whom he labeled “terrorists,” and criticized the international community for its lack of action in addressing the escalating security crisis.
He called on all Congolese citizens to support the army’s efforts to regain control of the region, promising that the country would not succumb to “humiliation” and would triumph in the face of the rebel onslaught.
The ongoing conflict, which has displaced over 500,000 people, has significantly worsened the humanitarian situation.
Goma has been left without electricity and water, and food shortages are rampant, according to the United Nations.
While President Tshisekedi snubbed a virtual summit convened by East African leaders, including Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, the summit called for a peaceful resolution and urged the Congolese government to engage directly with all armed groups, including the M23.
Tshisekedi has consistently refused direct dialogue with the rebels, preferring to speak with Rwanda.
Tshisekedi also expressed gratitude for the South African Development Community (SADC) peacekeepers and UN forces who have died in the conflict.
Thirteen South African peacekeepers were killed in Goma, escalating tensions between South Africa and Rwanda.
In response to a statement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accusing Rwanda of involvement in the deaths, Kagame warned of potential confrontation, rejecting claims of a distorted narrative.
As M23 continues to make gains, reports indicate that the group is heading towards Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city.
The Congolese army has set up a defense line, though the rebels have faced little resistance so far. Meanwhile, Angola has called for urgent talks between the Congolese and Rwandan leaders, with efforts to resume peace discussions under the East African Community framework.
International calls for Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DR Congo have intensified, with countries such as the United States, the European Union, and China urging the withdrawal.
Both the UN and DR Congo have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, while Rwanda has denied the claims, suggesting that Congolese militias are attempting to overthrow the Rwandan government.
The ongoing conflict has prompted significant international pressure, with countries like the UK and Germany threatening to cut aid to Rwanda in response to the violence.
The UK has put £32 million of bilateral aid under review, and Germany has canceled planned aid talks with Rwanda.