DRC President Tshisekedi to Create Unity Government Amid Security Crisis in East of Country

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will form a unity government to unite the people amid the security crisis in the east of the country, President Felix Tshisekedi announced at the meeting of the Sacred Union of the Nation, the DRC's ruling parliamentary coalition.

"Let's not be distracted by internal strife, external manipulation, or tribal overtones.... We must unite. Our strength remains the Congolese people, straightforward and resolute. Our aggressors are not stronger than us. Let's mobilize! Let's defend our country; let's unite to resist the enemy," Felix Tshisekedi stated at the meeting of the coalition.

The president added that the process of creating a new professional army was underway.

"Speaking of the military front, I pay tribute to our soldiers, and I'm proud of them. Even if we have lost battles, they have sacrificed their lives. We're facing internal betrayals, but we're going to build an army that's professional and well taken care of," he noted.

According to the DRC's top official, Rwanda is not acting alone in the region but is backed by powers interested in controlling Congolese natural resources.

"The enemy isn't just the one you see. [...] Rwanda is not alone, and we are in the process of dismantling this system," he stated.

Tshisekedi rejected the possibility of direct negotiations between the Congolese authorities and the M23.

Last week, the DRC’s ruling party, the Union for Democracy and Social Progress, rejected the possibility of direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, the rebel coalition Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes the M23, proposed to the government of the DRC to immediately start ceasefire talks in the east of the country.

"AFC/M23 reaffirms its willingness to engage in discussions with the government regarding an immediate ceasefire, as well as the root causes of our struggle. In the meantime, AFC/M23 continues its consultations with the social and political forces that share its vision for a new paradigm of governance in the DRC," the AFC said in a statement.

Amid the escalating violence in the eastern DRC, the security situation in the rebel-occupied South Kivu provincial capital Bukavu has reportedly deteriorated significantly in recent days, as armed bandits are robbing and killing civilians, while in some neighborhoods of Bukavu, exasperated residents have resorted to mob justice, a practice that is nonetheless prohibited.

Moreover, the weapons left behind in disarray by the Congolese army before the city was occupied by the M23 rebel group, are now being used by bandits who are destabilizing all of Bukavu, reports say.

The worsening insecurity is reportedly a direct result of escapes from the central prison in Bukavu.

While the North Kivu province's capital Goma and South Kivu's Bukavu remain occupied by rebels, some 1,800 Congolese police officers have surrendered and are going for retraining with a further 500 more due to do so, spokesperson for the AFC Lawrence Kanyuka said.

M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)

Burundi Faces Humanitarian Strain as 40,000 DRC Refugees Flee Escalating Violence, UNHCR Says

22 February, 13:10

The US Embassy in Burundi ordered the departure of family members of its staff and authorized the departure of non-essential personnel, citing risks in the country, which neighbors Rwanda and the DRC.

"The possibility for political violence exists throughout Burundi. Police and military checkpoints are common and can limit movement. Police may search private homes for weapons. The borders may close without notice. Violent crimes like assault, carjacking, home invasion, grenade attacks, and armed robbery are possible. Criminals may target foreigners and residents suspected of having large sums of cash. Local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to crimes," read the statement.