Congo’s President Pushes Unity Government Amid Rising Conflict

President Félix Tshisekedi is moving to form a unity government as his administration faces mounting pressure over its handling of the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The move comes in response to growing criticism and ongoing clashes with the M23 rebels, who have captured vast territories and mineral-rich regions, raising fears of a wider regional crisis.

Speaking to members of the ruling Sacred Union coalition, President Tshisekedi urged political leaders to set aside internal disputes and work together to confront external threats. “We must unite… let’s stand together to face the enemy,” he told his supporters in a bid to rally political forces behind his administration.

His spokesperson, Tina Salama, confirmed that Tshisekedi would form a government of national unity and that changes within the coalition’s leadership were expected. However, she did not provide further details on the composition of the new government or the expected timeline for its formation.

The security situation in eastern Congo has deteriorated significantly since the beginning of the year. M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of several strategic areas in North and South Kivu provinces. Their advance has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, with the Congolese government struggling to mount an effective response.

According to Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, more than 7,000 people have lost their lives in the fighting since January 2025. The conflict has also forced over 450,000 people to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian crisis that continues to worsen.

The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of directly supporting the M23 rebels, an allegation that Kigali denies. The international community has expressed alarm over the situation, with the United States and the United Kingdom imposing sanctions on Rwandan officials allegedly involved in the conflict.

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Despite the urgency of the crisis, opposition leaders remain skeptical about Tshisekedi’s push for a unity government. Some argue that it is a political maneuver to consolidate power rather than a genuine attempt to solve the country’s deep-rooted problems.

“Tshisekedi is more concerned with saving his power, whereas we are more concerned with saving the Congo, and this can be done with or without him,” said opposition figure Hervé Diakiese.

Critics have also questioned the government’s military strategy, pointing to a series of setbacks in the conflict that have allowed M23 rebels to expand their territory rapidly. Many believe that without a stronger military response and diplomatic efforts, the situation will continue to spiral out of control.

The crisis in eastern Congo has drawn growing attention from world powers, particularly as reports of human rights violations, including violence against civilians and children, have surfaced. The United Nations and human rights organizations have warned that if the fighting continues unchecked, it could lead to a broader conflict involving neighboring countries.