President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has pledged a strong military response to M23 rebels, accusing Rwanda of backing them and condemning global inaction. He called for national resilience and a humanitarian plan for the displaced.
The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi, has announced a forceful response from the Congolese army to the recent armed assaults by M23 rebels, accusing Rwanda of backing the insurgents and condemning both the international and African communities for their failure to address the growing tensions along the border.
In a televised address late Wednesday, Tshisekedi described the security situation in eastern Congo as deteriorating at an unprecedented rate, claiming that Rwanda's support for the M23 rebels had escalated into acts of terrorism that have caused widespread devastation among local populations.
On Monday, the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, claimed control of the city of Goma. However, local residents have stated that control of the strategic city remains divided between the rebels and the Congolese army. At least 25 people were killed in Goma, nine in Rwanda, with hundreds more injured in the ongoing conflict. Additionally, the recent clashes resulted in the deaths of 17 peacekeepers, including 13 South Africans, three Malawians, and one whose nationality remains unidentified.
Tshisekedi assured the nation that a comprehensive and coordinated military response against the rebels and their sponsors is underway. He further emphasised that the Congolese army is fully mobilised and committed to defending the country's sovereignty at all costs. He condemned Rwanda for its actions, accusing it of brazenly violating the principles of the United Nations Charter and regional agreements.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has consistently denied any involvement in supporting the rebels. However, Tshisekedi argued that Rwanda's actions, which are taking place with apparent impunity, disregard international laws and the values upheld by international institutions.
The Congolese president sharply criticised Rwanda's provocations, asserting that they undermine both Congolese sovereignty and regional stability. He labelled the actions as "barbaric" and a direct affront to the dignity and history of the Congolese people.
Tshisekedi also voiced his dissatisfaction with the silence and lack of action from both the United Nations and the African Union in response to the violence perpetrated by Rwanda and its allies in Congo, suggesting that this inaction borders on complicity. Despite this, he reiterated his openness to dialogue, although he remains prepared to take all necessary measures to defend Congo's territorial integrity.
In light of the ongoing conflict, Tshisekedi called on his citizens to remain resilient, urging them to mobilise and resist the crisis. He has also directed the government to establish an emergency humanitarian plan to assist those displaced by the violence.
As Rwanda-backed M23 rebels make significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, the U.N. Security Council has met in an urgent session, warning of the risk of a wider regional war.
Bukavu remained calm after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, moved into the eastern Congolese city with little resistance from government forces. The situation has raised fears of a wider regional conflict and potential impacts on DR Congo's vital mineral exports.
Seventy bodies were discovered beheaded and bound in a church in an abandoned village in eastern DR Congo, believed to be victims of the violent Allied Defence Forces (ADF) rebels.
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This marks a significant advance in their ongoing conflict with government forces in the region.
Continued violence in Democratic Republic of Congo has displaced more than 110,000 people in Goma. It's after the M23 rebels took control of the capital city. This, along with the halt of U.S. funding, has disrupted relief efforts.
Russia has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program, a source briefed on discussions told Reuters on Tuesday. The Kremlin emphasized that it would do everything possible to seek a peaceful resolution.
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday implemented the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), following President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this year.
Arab leaders approved Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza on Tuesday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for resettling Palestinians and instead advocating a Palestinian-led governance structure.
Germany’s conservatives and Social Democrats announced plans on Tuesday to create a €500 billion fund for infrastructure and adjust borrowing rules to allow for a major increase in defence spending.
Ford Motor Company will recall 35,328 vehicles due to a potential fire hazard linked to faulty LED lights in the exterior mirrors, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday.
A centuries old tradition of cheese-throwing has brought excitement to the town of Novara di Sicilia as its residents both young and old trooped out en masse to participate in the game.
Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
Watch AnewZ Live Coverage of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting at the Oval Office at https://anewz.tv/tv-live
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his respect for the United States and its people in an interview with Fox News, following a tense meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
Russia has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program, a source briefed on discussions told Reuters on Tuesday. The Kremlin emphasized that it would do everything possible to seek a peaceful resolution.
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday implemented the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), following President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this year.
Arab leaders approved Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza on Tuesday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for resettling Palestinians and instead advocating a Palestinian-led governance structure.
Germany’s conservatives and Social Democrats announced plans on Tuesday to create a €500 billion fund for infrastructure and adjust borrowing rules to allow for a major increase in defence spending.
Pope Francis is reported to have rested well overnight at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital after suffering a setback in his battle with double pneumonia.
Russia has offered to mediate between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program, a source briefed on discussions told Reuters on Tuesday. The Kremlin emphasized that it would do everything possible to seek a peaceful resolution.
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday implemented the designation of Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), following President Donald Trump’s directive earlier this year.
Arab leaders approved Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza on Tuesday, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for resettling Palestinians and instead advocating a Palestinian-led governance structure.
Germany’s conservatives and Social Democrats announced plans on Tuesday to create a €500 billion fund for infrastructure and adjust borrowing rules to allow for a major increase in defence spending.
Ford Motor Company will recall 35,328 vehicles due to a potential fire hazard linked to faulty LED lights in the exterior mirrors, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Tuesday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment