As M23 closes in on Goma, President Tshisekedi calls Congolese youth to join the army, deepening DRC’s standoff with Rwanda.
Tshisekedi Calls Youth to Arms as M23 Rebels Advance on Goma
By Charles Wachira
In what may mark a defining chapter in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) turbulent history, President Félix Tshisekedi has issued a dramatic call to arms, urging youth across the country to enlist in the military. The move comes as M23 rebels tighten their grip on territories near Goma—a strategic city in North Kivu province.
M23 Resurgence Raises Alarm
The March 23 Movement (M23), a well-organized rebel group with roots in eastern DRC, has stepped up its offensive, sparking fears of a major regional war. Their advance toward Goma—a city of over 2 million people near the Rwandan border—has drawn international attention.
In a televised address on Wednesday, Tshisekedi declared:
“Enlist massively in the army because you are the spearhead of our country. The future of the Congo rests in your hands.”
Rwanda’s Alleged Involvement Fuels Tensions
The DRC government maintains that Rwanda is backing the M23—a claim Kigali strongly denies. Yet, UN reports and rights groups continue to cite credible evidence of Rwandan military and logistical support.
President Paul Kagame further stoked tensions by warning South Africa and other African nations against military involvement in the DRC crisis, calling it a matter “outside their jurisdiction.”
National Mobilisation: A Show of Strength or Desperation?
Tshisekedi’s call is being framed as a patriotic defence of Congolese sovereignty. But observers warn it may also signal the FARDC’s stretched capacity to resist rebel advances, despite years of UN-backed support.
Analysts say the mobilisation aims to convert a military crisis into a unifying moment.
Critics argue it risks militarising youth without fixing root issues like governance failure and ethnic exclusion.
Eastern DRC, rich in cobalt, gold, and coltan, remains a battlefield for control over wealth and identity. Its mineral wealth powers global tech industries, yet has brought little peace or prosperity to locals.
Global Pressure Builds for Diplomacy
As tensions rise, international voices are urging restraint:
- The East African Community (EAC) recently called for renewed peace talks
- The African Union (AU) and UN Security Council have demanded access for humanitarian aid
- Over 6 million Congolese remain displaced from prolonged unrest
South Africa, Kenya, and Angola have proposed dialogue frameworks, though fragile ceasefires continue to collapse on the ground.
Kagame’s Warning Deepens the Divide
Kagame’s latest statement—“Rwanda will defend its interests without hesitation”—was interpreted by analysts as a veiled threat, particularly targeting South Africa’s pledge to support DRC peace efforts.
This shift could unravel regional alliances and intensify military escalation across Central Africa.
What’s Next: Dialogue or a Deeper War?
While Tshisekedi’s mobilisation may rally national pride, it risks dragging Congo deeper into a militarised cycle. Experts argue real peace will require:
- Demilitarising mineral wealth
- Strengthening governance
- Bridging ethnic divides
- Investing in post-conflict youth programs
Local civil society, churches, and youth leaders are also urging peace education, employment, and long-term rebuilding—not just bullets.
As Goma remains on edge, the region watches to see whether DRC’s future will be forged through dialogue or confrontation.