Congolese president criticises international community's 'passivity' over violence in east

Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi has condemned what he describes as the international community's "passivity" in response to the escalating violence in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Tshisekedi has vowed that the Congolese army will "violently retaliate" against the "terrorists" - a reference to the M23 rebels - and their alleged sponsors.

He has called on the international community to take stronger action, accusing Rwanda of openly violating fundamental principles of the UN Charter and regional treaties.

"Rwanda continues to act with impunity and in defiance of international agreements," he said. "Its silence and inaction in the face of the barbarity of the Kigali regime is an insult not only to the DRC, but also to universal values of justice and peace."

Deteriorating security

Tshisekedi highlighted the deteriorating security situation in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri, and warned of a possible escalation of violence.

"We prefer diplomacy, but let us be clear: we are determined to defend our territory and our sovereignty by all necessary means," he said, referring to Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebels.

"Stand firm, stay alert and remain calm despite these hardships"

Tshisekedi also appealed to residents of the affected areas to remain vigilant and resilient. "Stand firm, stay alert and remain calm despite these hardships," he said, assuring citizens that every effort was being made to protect them.

In his speech, he also condemned recent attacks by protesters on foreign embassies in Kinshasa. Demonstrators angered by the latest M23 rebel offensive targeted several diplomatic missions, including the Belgian embassy, where a gate was set on fire. The unrest followed the rebels' advance on Goma, a key city in eastern DRC, which they now largely control.

 

Members of the armed group M23 drive along a street in Goma in a pickup truck © PHOTO AFP


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