KINSHASA, Congo (AP) – Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi announced plans to form a unity government amid escalating violence in the eastern regions of the country. This declaration comes as the situation worsens due to the advancing Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have recently captured significant cities, intensifying scrutiny over Tshisekedi’s management of the crisis.
During a meeting with the Sacred Union of the Nation ruling coalition on Saturday, Tshisekedi emphasized the need for unity within the government. He stated, “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,” although he did not provide specific details regarding the formation or timeline of the proposed unity government.
The M23 rebels, among more than 100 armed groups in eastern Congo, have launched a rapid offensive leading to the capture of vital urban centers. Over the course of just three weeks, they took control of eastern Congo’s main city, Goma, and the second-largest city, Bukavu, resulting in an estimated 3,000 fatalities. The rebels are allegedly supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, raising fears that they could extend their operations beyond eastern Congo towards the capital, Kinshasa, which lies over 1,000 miles away.
Relations between Congo and Rwanda have become increasingly strained, with Rwanda accusing the Congolese government of collaborating with ethnic Hutu forces linked to the 1994 genocide against Tutsis and moderate Hutus. In contrast, the M23 claims to be defending Tutsis and those of Rwandan descent in Congo from discrimination, asserting their aim to revive the Congolese state. However, many analysts regard these justifications as mere pretexts for Rwanda's intervention in the ongoing conflict.
In response to the crisis, President Tshisekedi honored soldiers who lost their lives in the conflict and affirmed his commitment to strengthening the national army. The situation in eastern Congo continues to be critical, with the potential for further escalation as different factions vie for power amid a backdrop of humanitarian concerns and political instability.
