Kinshasa, DRC – In a fiery national address on Thursday, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi denounced what he called “foreign aggression” following the fall of Goma to M23 rebels, directly implicating Rwanda in the destabilization of the resource-rich eastern region.
Speaking from the capital, Kinshasa, Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda’s alleged role in backing the rebel group, labelling it a “flagrant breach of international law” and vowing a robust military counteroffensive to reclaim lost territories.
“We will not tolerate the violation of our sovereignty. Every inch of Congolese soil will be liberated,” he declared, rallying citizens to unite behind the nation’s armed forces.
The President’s speech came hours after M23 fighters seized control of Goma, a strategic city bordering Rwanda, escalating tensions in a conflict that has displaced over 1 million civilians since the group’s resurgence in 2021.
Tshisekedi appealed to the international community to “end its silence” and hold Rwanda accountable while urging Congolese diaspora communities to support the homeland’s defence efforts.
In response to the crisis, Tshisekedi unveiled sweeping measures to bolster national security, including increased military funding, enhanced logistical support for frontline troops, and urgent humanitarian aid for displaced populations.
He also temporarily reallocated government resources to prioritize the war effort, signalling a shift toward a wartime economy.
“Our resolve is unshakable. We will pursue these aggressors and their sponsors with every tool at our disposal,” Tshisekedi asserted, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to restoring peace.
The M23, a rebel faction reactivated in 2021 after nearly a decade of dormancy, has repeatedly denied ties to Rwanda. However, UN experts and Western governments have corroborated Kinshasa’s claims of Rwandan support, including troop deployments and arms supplies.
Below is Tshisekedi’s speech translated from French to English:
These acts are not only an attack on the Republic but also an offence to the history and dignity of our people. In these difficult times, I call on you to show resilience and, above all, resistance.
In response to this situation, allow me to reassure you. A vigorous and coordinated response against these terrorists and their sponsors is underway.
Our valiant armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, symbols of courage and patriotism, are fully mobilized and ready to defend every inch of our territory.
I have personally convened and chaired crisis meetings with a small team from the government, the high military command, and an inter-institutional meeting to assess recent developments and determine the necessary actions to repel the aggressors and reclaim every part of our land.
To this end, on January 28, I appointed Major General Hébariste Somo Kakoulé as the military governor of North Kivu to strengthen the coordination of operations.
This is the struggle of an entire people, the fight for our Congolese identity, to bequeath a prosperous and peaceful country to future generations.
Civilian support
To all our compatriots in every province, every city, every territory, and every village, as well as those in the diaspora, regardless of ethnic or political affiliation, let us unite our efforts.
Let us provide unwavering moral and material support to our valiant soldiers. Let us mobilize as one to defend our sovereignty and safeguard our territorial integrity.
I am fully aware of the suffering of our compatriots fleeing the hostilities. The government has been instructed to activate the emergency humanitarian plan to assist the displaced.
To you, residents of Goma and the surrounding areas, I deeply feel your pain, which is also mine. It pierces our hearts and souls as sons and daughters of the same nation.
But in the face of this ordeal, I urge you to draw strength from the inner resilience that defines the greatness of the Congolese people. Resist with courage, remain constantly vigilant, and keep calm despite adversity.
Plans
Know that we have not remained inactive. Contingency plans have been prepared to ensure the protection of the civilian population and prevent any escalation of violence.
Security measures have been strengthened to protect strategic areas, and we are working tirelessly to ensure the continued operation of essential services.
Chirimwami Death
I wish to pay solemn tribute to all those who have paid the ultimate price in this fight for our dignity and sovereignty. I have a solemn thought for Major General Peter Chirimwami Nkuba, military governor of North Kivu, who fell with weapons in hand.
I bow in respect to the memory of all our soldiers and all the Wazalendo who perished on the battlefield.
I also think of the soldiers from the Southern African Development Community mission, the SAMIDRC, who are fighting alongside us, the UN peacekeepers of MONUSCO who have sacrificed their lives for peace, as well as the countless civilians who have fallen victim to enemy barbarism. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we carry their torch with the firm determination to complete their noble fight.
Rwanda aggression
I now directly address the international community and the African Union.
Rwanda continues to openly and unscrupulously violate the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and regional agreements.
Worse, these actions occur in total impunity, with blatant disregard for international rules and the values these institutions are supposed to uphold.
This arrogant attitude, which no longer even bothers to hide its pretences, is an unacceptable provocation against our sovereignty and regional stability.
The presence of thousands of Rwandan soldiers on our soil, their political, logistical, and military support for their M23 puppets, and their involvement in the illegal exploitation of our natural resources are leading us directly toward an escalation with unpredictable consequences that endanger the entire Great Lakes region.
Your silence and inaction in the face of the Kigali regime’s barbarism and the atrocities committed by its proxies on our territory are an affront not only to the Democratic Republic of Congo but also to the universal values of justice and peace. The Congolese people take note of this passivity, which borders on complicity.
Not bowing
Be assured of one thing: the Democratic Republic of Congo will neither allow itself to be humiliated nor crushed. We will fight, and we will triumph.
Congolese men and women, the situation is certainly grave, but our determination is even stronger.
This critical moment offers us the opportunity to show the world what makes us strong—our unity, without which all our efforts would be in vain.
I call on you to remain vigilant but not to succumb to hatred, division, or violence. I strongly condemn the acts of vandalism and looting that have targeted certain diplomatic missions accredited in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as private interests in Kinshasa.
Riots
These irresponsible behaviours distort the legitimate expression of our anger in the face of the barbaric aggression imposed upon us and tarnish the peaceful demonstrations of support for our valiant armed forces, who fight with courage and dedication to defend our sovereignty.
Our commitment must remain firm and disciplined. We will win this war through our unity, our courage, and our sense of responsibility, not through blind violence and anarchy. This victory will only be possible if every Congolese person, wherever they are, fully understands the nature of our struggle.
I, therefore, call upon the entire nation—men and women, young and old, political actors, economic operators, civil society members, religious groups, artists, and athletes—to mobilize, to stand firmly behind our valiant armed forces, and to contribute in any way possible to the war effort.
Reduce expenditure
I have instructed the government to implement strict measures to reduce institutional expenditures and the lifestyle of government officials so that the resources saved can be directly redirected to supporting our armed forces.
In this national effort, I also call on the private sector to take responsibility and actively contribute to this common cause. Our soldiers are fighting heroically to defend our territorial integrity and sovereignty. They need our total support—morally, materially, and logistically.
To the Congolese youth, the pillar and hope of our nation, I urge you to respond massively to the call of the homeland.
The time has come for you to rise, to put your energy and creativity at the service of the nation. We must strengthen our ranks, and every young Congolese person willing to defend their country has a place within our armed forces.
Enlist massively in the army. You are the spearhead of our mission, and your mobilization is crucial for final victory.
To the brave people of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, you are the symbol of Congolese resilience, an inspiration for the entire nation. You are not alone in this ordeal. The entire Republic stands with you, united in hope and struggle. Together, we will face and overcome this challenge.
Wazalendo
To our valiant armed forces and the brave Wazalendo patriots, the true sentinels of national sovereignty, I pay my highest respects and, on behalf of the entire Republic, express our infinite gratitude and unwavering pride.
Your bravery, discipline and unwavering commitment inspire and mobilize an entire people determined to defend its territory. Know that the Republic will never abandon you. Your fight is our fight, and your sacrifices will never be forgotten. You embody the honor of the Congolese nation.
To all my compatriots at home and in the diaspora, the Democratic Republic of Congo will not bow. The Democratic Republic of Congo will not retreat. I will never abandon you. I solemnly make this pledge.
The sun has not ceased to shine upon our homeland. Together, hand in hand, we will overcome this storm and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity for future generations.
May God bless the Democratic Republic of Congo and its people.
Thank you.