Backed by Southern Africa Development Cooperation (SADC) forces, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have stepped up their use of drones and artillery against M23 rebels in North Kivu, leading to the deaths of hundreds of insurgents.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has affirmed that the Congolese armed forces will continue to combat M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, until the mineral-rich nation achieves victory. Speaking to diplomats accredited to the DRC, Tshisekedi emphasized that no dialogue will occur with Rwanda, the aggressor, as long as it occupies any portion of Congolese territory.
Last year, United Nations reports presented satellite images showing Rwandan troops entering the DRC to assist M23 rebels, a claim denied by Kigali. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has accused Tshisekedi of failing to honor commitments to M23 rebels, blaming the resurgence of the rebellion on this failure.
Nevertheless, Tshisekedi argues that the DRC is a “victim of Rwanda’s aggression” and underscores the non-negotiable nature of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
When asked about the possibility of engaging in talks with the insurgents in North Kivu, the President asserted that the FARDC will continue to pursue the enemy, regardless of the cost.
In December 2023, the United Nations reported that the number of internally displaced persons in the DRC has reached a record 6.9 million due to escalating conflict, leading to increased humanitarian needs. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) highlighted the DRC’s confrontation with “one of the largest” internal displacement and humanitarian crises globally, with the recent conflict escalation hdisplacing people at an unprecedented rate.
Four out of every five internally displaced persons reside in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika. In North Kivu alone, up to one million individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict with the M23 rebel group.
Last year, Tshisekedi threatened to seek authorization from the DRC Parliament to declare war on Rwanda, a move cautioned against by Kagame, who warned of severe consequences for Kinshasa.
Supported by Southern Africa Development Cooperation (SADC) forces, the FARDC has recently escalated drone and artillery attacks on M23 rebels in North Kivu, resulting in significant casualties among the insurgents.
The rebels have accused Kinshasa of conducting indiscriminate bombings that have led to the deaths of dozens of civilians.
President Tshisekedi has urged UN authorities, the African Union, and regional organizations to impose targeted sanctions on Rwandan and M23 officials who undermine the sovereignty of the DRC.
