Congolese opposition leader, Delly Sessanga, has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict imposed by the M23/AFC rebels, supported by Rwanda, in the city of Goma, North Kivu. In a video statement, the president of the Envol party highlighted the evolving nature of the conflict due to internal facilitations and called for enhanced security measures focusing on the military, police, intelligence, justice, and territorial administration.
Sessanga emphasized that while potential solutions have been proposed, the resurgence and escalation of the war are consequences of a lack of vision and inadequate handling of national security and diplomacy issues. He lamented the failure of policies, which have affected all pillars of the state, the Republic, and corrupted democracy.
“To address this challenge, we must stand up with courage, rigor, and method, acknowledging that common sense alone is not sufficient. It is imperative to formulate an appropriate response to this war. Our approach must be comprehensive, taking into account all security-related issues and the imperative to reclaim all lost territories. We must pay particular attention to the military, police, intelligence, justice, and territorial administration, issues that can no longer be overlooked,” Sessanga declared.
The former national deputy stressed the importance of coherent security measures to address the situation in the eastern part of Congo. He also highlighted that the presence of the Rwandan army should not absolve those responsible for leading the nation. Sessanga urged the Congolese population to remain vigilant and expressed support for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
At a recent meeting at the United Nations, the Security Council convened for the second time within 48 hours of the previous session. Several states unequivocally condemned the aggression by Rwanda on Congolese soil, urging the withdrawal of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, as reported by the latest United Nations experts.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba, called on the UN Security Council to impose targeted sanctions on the chain of command of the Rwandan army (RDF) and political officials in Kigali, denouncing blatant aggression and a growing humanitarian crisis in Goma. She also accused Kigali of being responsible for the deaths of South African, Malawian, and Uruguayan soldiers engaged in peacekeeping operations.
In the face of escalating tensions and international condemnation, the urgency for enhanced security measures in Goma and the broader region cannot be overstated. The need for a comprehensive approach that addresses not only the immediate security threats but also the underlying political and diplomatic dynamics is crucial for restoring stability and peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The voices of leaders like Delly Sessanga and the actions taken by international bodies like the UN Security Council and the Minister of Foreign Affairs underscore the gravity of the situation and the collective responsibility to seek lasting solutions.