Congolese President Announces Unity Government Amid Rising Violence
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Felix Tshisekedi, has announced plans to form a unity government in response to escalating violence in the eastern part of the country and growing concerns over the handling of the situation, The Associated Press reports.
In recent remarks, President Tshisekedi addressed a meeting of the Sacred Union of the Nation ruling coalition, urging members to prioritize national unity amid the ongoing crisis.
“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,” Tshisekedi stated.
The eastern region of Congo has been plagued by conflict, with the M23 rebels, among other armed groups, gaining control of key cities. The M23’s activities have resulted in casualties and displacement in the region.
The United Nations has reported that the M23 receives support from neighboring Rwanda, with approximately 4,000 troops allegedly involved. Rwanda has accused Congo of aligning with ethnic Hutu fighters who were responsible for the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
The M23 claims to be fighting to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin from discrimination and aims to transform Congo into a modern state. Analysts have questioned these claims and cited them as possible pretexts for Rwanda’s involvement.
On Sunday, Congo’s communications minister, Patrick Muyaya, alleged on X that Rwanda and M23 were responsible for the deaths of multiple individuals in Goma.
