Corneille Nangaa, the leader of a coalition that includes the M23 rebel group, has made it clear that they will not stop their “liberation march” despite opposition from the Congolese government and the international community.
He has promised to bring back power and security to Goma, a city that has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict.
He also said they would set up humanitarian corridors to help the thousands of people who have been displaced by the fighting.
However, his statement has been met with strong resistance from the government, which has vowed to crush the rebellion.
President Felix Tshisekedi has responded by promising a strong military operation to push back the rebels.
In a national address, he assured citizens that his government was preparing a well-coordinated response to the growing threat. He also accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, an allegation that Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
Reports indicate that the rebels have expanded their offensive into South Kivu, taking control of several key areas. This has worsened the situation, as more people are being forced to flee their homes to escape the violence.
The crisis has attracted attention from the international community, with several powerful nations and organizations calling for an end to the conflict.
The United Nations, the United States, China, and the European Union have all urged Rwanda to withdraw any forces it may have in the Democratic Republic of Congo. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot recently visited Rwanda to press President Paul Kagame on the issue.
However, Kagame dismissed these calls, insisting that Rwanda is not responsible for the situation in the DRC. His government has instead accused the Congolese army of working with FDLR, a Rwandan rebel group that operates in eastern Congo.
The humanitarian situation in the region has become worse. In Goma, many residents are struggling to find food and other basic needs.
There are reports of severe shortages, with some people saying they have nothing left to eat. The United Nations estimates that at least 500,000 people have been displaced this month alone.
Many of them are now living in makeshift camps, where conditions are harsh and diseases are spreading. Others have fled to neighboring countries, hoping to find safety.
With tensions at their highest level in years, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for an emergency summit in Zimbabwe to discuss the crisis.
Leaders from the region are expected to come together to find a solution before the situation gets completely out of control.
Many fear that if the fighting continues, it could turn into a full-scale regional war, dragging in neighboring countries and leading to even more suffering.
The world is now watching closely, waiting to see if there will be any meaningful steps taken to bring peace to eastern Congo.
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