President Felix Tshisekedi plans to start talks for a unity government amid growing international pressure over the crisis in eastern DR Congo, where M23 rebels have captured major cities, resulting in thousands of deaths. The UN Security Council called for an end to hostilities, emphasizing that military action is not a solution to the conflict. M23 claims to protect certain populations while the Congolese government accuses them of seeking control over mineral-rich areas.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has announced plans to initiate discussions aimed at forming a unity government in response to escalating international pressure. The country faces a severe crisis in the eastern regions due to the resurgence of M23 rebels, who are reportedly backed by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, as stated by UN experts.
The rebels captured Goma, an eastern city with a population of 2 million, last month, leading to significant casualties with an estimated 3,000 deaths. Recently, they also seized Bukavu, another major city, which is located about 30 miles from Burundi, where troops have been engaged in combat alongside the Congolese Army, raising alarms about a potential broader conflict.
In response to the uprising, President Tshisekedi addressed his ruling coalition, stressing the necessity to remain united and avoid internal disputes. He emphasized, “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,” though he did not detail the potential structure or timeline of this initiative.
The UN Security Council has issued a unanimous resolution calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities by the M23 rebels and a withdrawal from their occupied territories, asserting that military solutions to the conflict are insufficient. The resolution also condemned Rwanda’s support for the insurgents.
M23 claims to be protecting Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent from discrimination and battling a Hutu militia linked to historical atrocities. Conversely, the Congolese government accuses the rebels of attempting to extend control over lucrative mineral areas, positing that Rwanda’s involvement is cloaked under such humanitarian justifications.
President Tshisekedi is seeking to establish a unity government as fighting intensifies in eastern DR Congo, largely driven by M23 rebels and exacerbated by external military support from Rwanda. The UN has officially called for an end to violence, emphasizing that dialogue and negotiation are paramount in resolving the ongoing conflict. Through unity and collaboration, Tshisekedi hopes to address the internal crises and unify the government amidst external pressures.
Original Source: www.dw.com
