President Tshisekedi’s National Address: Security, Resilience, and Action
For decades, the DRC has contended with insecurity largely driven by armed groups operating in its eastern provinces. One of the most concerning developments has been the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group that first gained international prominence in 2012 when it briefly captured the city of Goma in North Kivu.
On 29 January, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tchilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) delivered a critical message to the nation, highlighting the country’s escalating security and socio-economic situation. Speaking from the African Union’s headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the president’s speech centred on the pressing need to address foreign aggression and resolve the humanitarian crises plaguing particularly North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Given the DRC’s historical challenges and ongoing regional tensions, President Tshisekedi’s remarks hold profound significance for Congolese citizens and the broader international community.
This article explores the key points of the president’s address, scrutinises the situation on the ground, and examines various perspectives on these pressing issues. The goal is to furnish a meticulously researched, balanced, and compelling narrative, adhering to The Sixteenth Council’s Writing Style and Standards Guidelines.
Historical Context and Security Landscape
For decades, the DRC has contended with insecurity largely driven by armed groups operating in its eastern provinces. These regions—particularly North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri—have been epicentres of conflict, with various militias vying for territorial control and access to valuable mineral resources. According to a 2022 report by the United Nations Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo(Source 1), over one hundred armed groups have been active in eastern DRC, perpetuating violence, displacement, and economic instability.
The M23 Insurgency and External Allegations
One of the most concerning developments has been the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23), an armed group that first gained international prominence in 2012 when it briefly captured the city of Goma in North Kivu. Following a peace agreement in 2013, M23 fighters largely disappeared or integrated into other factions. However, by late 2021 and into 2022, the M23 re-emerged, launching offensives in North Kivu.
President Tshisekedi and Congolese officials have repeatedly alleged that M23 fighters receive support from neighbouring Rwanda—an accusation denied by Rwandan authorities. Nevertheless, Human Rights Watch (Source 2) and certain UN reports have cited evidence suggesting external backing, including sophisticated weaponry and logistical support that local militias typically lack. Despite the denials, the reappearance of M23 and its rapid territorial gains have exacerbated longstanding tensions in the region.
The Role of Regional and International Actors
With both the DRC and Rwanda forming part of the East African Community (EAC), regional mechanisms have been employed to mediate the dispute. Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was appointed as a facilitator in peace discussions, while other African Union states advocated for high-level dialogue between Kinshasa and Kigali. Additionally, the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO)—one of the world’s largest peacekeeping missions—has played a role in supporting the Congolese army and protecting civilians. However, questions abound regarding the mission’s efficacy, with critics arguing that it has not prevented the expansion of armed groups in remote areas.
President Tshisekedi’s Key Messages
Gravity of the Security Situation
In his address, President Tshisekedi underscored the gravity of events unfolding across North and South Kivu. He emphasised that foreign aggression—particularly from Rwandan forces, in his view—posed a direct threat to Congolese sovereignty and national dignity. This strong wording reflected the seriousness with which Kinshasa is treating the allegations and the escalating violence.
The president highlighted recent attacks on Congolese territory, condemning them as violations of international law. He stated, “Every inch of our land is worth defending. We shall not permit interference in the DRC’s internal affairs by any foreign power, no matter the pretext.” While such statements are not uncommon in the DRC’s fraught regional context, they served as a stark reminder of the fragile peace in Eastern Congo.
A Call for Resilience and Unity
Central to President Tshisekedi’s speech was an appeal for national unity. He urged citizens to exhibit resilience in the face of escalating violence, suggesting that a divided populace would be more vulnerable to exploitation by outside forces. Stressing that the conflict was not solely a military matter, he called on local communities, civil society, and diaspora groups to stand together to defend the nation’s interests.
“We need our people everywhere—villagers, traders, students, and diaspora—to unite in supporting legitimate state efforts,” he emphasised. This rallying cry, delivered with a tone of urgency, aimed to galvanise a shared sense of Congolese identity and inspire solidarity across socio-political lines.
Acknowledging the complexities of dealing with multiple armed groups and allegations of foreign backing, the president assured the nation that a concerted military strategy was in place. He announced increased coordination between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and security experts from regional bodies, highlighting that efforts to dislodge terrorist threats were being revitalised.
President Tshisekedi also stressed accountability within the military, intimating that the FARDC would be scrutinised and restructured to prevent corruption and ensure professionalism. “We shall strengthen oversight mechanisms and provide our troops with the necessary tools, training, and moral support to protect our people,” he said. This assertion aimed to reassure citizens who have grown sceptical of repeated attempts to root out corruption and incompetence within the armed forces.
Perspectives and Reactions
Public reaction within the DRC has been varied. Many Congolese have welcomed the president’s strong condemnation of foreign aggression, seeing it as a necessary response to a longstanding crisis. In major cities like Kinshasa, Goma, and Bukavu, there have been calls for more decisive military action, with a desire to see tangible improvements on the ground.
Conversely, some Congolese human rights activists and civil society leaders have expressed concern that heightened militarisation could perpetuate cycles of violence, placing civilians at risk. They warn that any offensive must prioritise the protection of communities, citing past incidents where FARDC offensives inadvertently endangered local populations.
International and Regional Governments
While President Tshisekedi’s finger-pointing towards Rwanda has been noted, Kigali staunchly denies involvement, insisting it is a scapegoat for the DRC’s internal problems. According to Reuters (Source 3), Rwandan authorities argue that the Congolese government’s failure to adequately demobilise and reintegrate former M23 fighters created the conditions for the group’s resurgence. They also cite cross-border security concerns, referencing the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), an armed group operating in eastern Congo with roots in the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
At the same time, officials from the African Union and United Nations continue to encourage peaceful dialogue. There is a shared sentiment among African leaders that regional stability depends on a reduction in hostilities, improved border security, and eventual reconciliation between Kinshasa and Kigali.
Civil Society and Humanitarian Agencies
Civil society organisations and NGOs operating in the DRC have lauded the president’s efforts to alert international audiences at the African Union, but they maintain that root causes of conflict—such as lack of state authority, corruption, and economic marginalisation—require urgent attention. Without addressing these deeper structural issues, critics fear that piecemeal military campaigns will be insufficient.
Humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), remain alarmed by the spike in internal displacement. Thousands of civilians in North Kivu have fled their homes in recent months, joining the ranks of the over five million internally displaced persons reported in the DRC. Agencies warn that conditions in displacement camps are deteriorating, with insufficient shelter, food, and medical supplies.
The Humanitarian Crisis: Numbers and Realities
As of late 2022, UNHCR estimated over 5.6 million Congolese were internally displaced due to conflict—one of the highest figures in Africa. In North Kivu alone, renewed hostilities have forced tens of thousands of households to seek refuge in camps around Goma, Beni, and other urban centres. With roads often impassable and humanitarian convoys at risk of attack, delivering aid poses significant challenges.
Health and Socio-Economic Impacts
Beyond displacement, the conflict triggers widespread socio-economic fallout. Many local markets shut down in times of insecurity, undermining livelihoods and accelerating inflation for essential goods. Hospitals and clinics in contested zones frequently face medication shortages, exacerbated by the lack of stable infrastructure and recurrent attacks on health facilities.
Public health specialists warn of a looming crisis if conditions do not improve. Diseases like cholera and malaria can spread rapidly under congested, unsanitary camp conditions, and amid combat, vaccine storage and healthcare provision become nearly impossible.
Conclusion: A Plea for Unity, Compassion, and Change
President Félix Tshisekedi’s forceful message—broadcast from the African Union headquarters—has drawn a line in the sand, underscoring the urgency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s plight. The statement serves as a rallying call for national resilience, a clear denunciation of alleged foreign interference, and a blueprint for a coordinated military response. Yet it also reflects a deeper, more complex reality: an entrenched web of historical grievances, cross-border tensions, and socio-economic inequalities that cannot be solved overnight.
For the Congolese people, this moment is a test of unity and fortitude. Many citizens—already battered by decades of conflict—long for the day when families can safely return to their homes, children can attend school without fear, and small businesses can flourish unhindered. The president’s insistence on resilience thus resonates powerfully, affirming the spirit of a nation that has withstood countless trials.
That said, to fully address the crisis, political leaders, both within and outside the DRC, must seize this moment to invest in genuine dialogue, transparency, and equitable governance. Comprehensive solutions require more than weapons or political rhetoric; they demand accountability from all parties, robust social services, and unwavering commitment to upholding human rights. If the alleged support from foreign actors is proven, prompt action should be taken through international legal channels to deter further violations and protect civilian lives.
In closing, as we reflect on the president’s message, let us also remember the individuals behind the statistics: families displaced from their ancestral lands, children separated from their parents in the chaos of conflict, and communities striving to maintain dignity under immense pressure. While it is vital to remain clear-eyed about the difficulties ahead, there is an equally pressing imperative to nurture compassion and solidarity.
The call to action is both national and global: Congolese citizens are urged to stand strong in unity, while regional bodies, international agencies, and foreign governments share a responsibility to facilitate peace and stability in the DRC. The path forward must be guided by an unshakeable commitment to uphold the truth, defend fundamental rights, and foster an environment where all Congolese people can thrive. Only then can the DRC transition from a stage of perpetual conflict to a future marked by enduring peace, justice, and development.
Aric Jabari is the Editorial Director of the Sixteenth Council.
