President Felix Tshisekedi has announced plans to form a unity government in the Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, intensify their deadly campaign in the country’s east. The declaration follows the rebels’ rapid capture of Goma and Bukavu, key cities in a resource-rich region plagued by decades of conflict.
In a tense address to the Sacred Union coalition on Saturday, Tshisekedi urged focus amid internal political disputes:
I lost the battle and not the war. I must reach out to everyone including the opposition. There will be a government of national unity.While specifics remain unclear, analysts suggest this move aims to consolidate political support as security deteriorates.
The M23 insurgency has displaced over 800,000 civilians since October, with U.N. reports confirming:
- 3,000+ civilian deaths in recent months
- 4,000 Rwandan troops actively supporting rebels
- Control of strategic trade routes and mineral zones
Rwanda denies direct involvement but accuses Congo of collaborating with Hutu militias linked to the 1994 genocide. Meanwhile, M23 leaders claim to fight for Tutsi minorities, though U.N. experts dismiss this as a pretext for territorial expansion.
As regional tensions threaten to destabilize Central Africa, Tshisekedi vowed to strengthen military response during a memorial for fallen soldiers. The crisis now tests both Congo’s fragile democracy and international pressure on Rwanda to withdraw support for rebel factions.