Democratic Republic of Congo’s President, Felix Tshisekedi, stated on Wednesday that the military was mounting a “vigorous” response as Rwanda-backed fighters captured additional territory in the east. He warned that the situation could potentially escalate within the region. According to local sources cited by AFP, M23 fighters had opened a second front, seizing two districts in South Kivu after largely overpowering the Congolese army in North Kivu’s provincial capital.
Tshisekedi, addressing the nation, asserted that a “vigorous and coordinated response against these terrorists and their sponsors” was already in motion. He expressed deep concern over the “unprecedented worsening of the security situation”.
He also criticised the international community, condemning its “inaction” in the face of escalating conflict in the east of the DRC. He remarked that its “silence and inaction… are an affront” to the country and cautioned that the advance of Rwanda-backed fighters could lead “straight to an escalation” in the region.
The sustained advance of the M23 armed group over recent weeks has triggered calls for crisis talks, heightened international scrutiny, and warnings of an impending humanitarian crisis.
