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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23985, member: 2262"] DRC President Addresses Nation After Fall of Goma to Rebels. President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo delivered a forceful speech Thursday in Kinshasa following the capture of Goma by M23 rebels. He accused Rwanda of backing the rebels and violating international law. In his national address, Tshisekedi said, "These acts are an attack on the Republic and an offense to our people's dignity. " He outlined immediate military and humanitarian responses to the crisis. The President appointed Major General Hébariste Somo Kakoulé as military governor of North Kivu on January 28 to lead operations in the region. He announced plans to strengthen security measures and protect civilians in affected areas. Tshisekedi paid tribute to fallen soldiers, including Major General Peter Chirimwami Nkuba, the former military governor of North Kivu. He acknowledged the sacrifices of UN peacekeepers and troops from the Southern African Development Community mission. The President criticized the international community's response to the conflict. "Rwanda continues to openly violate the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and regional agreements," he stated. He cited the presence of Rwandan soldiers on Congolese soil and their alleged support of M23 rebels. Addressing domestic unrest, Tshisekedi condemned recent vandalism targeting diplomatic missions in Kinshasa. He urged citizens to channel their anger constructively and support the armed forces through legal means. The government plans to reduce institutional spending to redirect resources toward military efforts. Tshisekedi called on the private sector to contribute to defense initiatives and encouraged young Congolese to enlist in the army. "The Democratic Republic of Congo will not bow. The Democratic Republic of Congo will not retreat," Tshisekedi declared, promising support for displaced populations and renewed military action to reclaim lost territory. He announced an emergency humanitarian plan to assist those fleeing the conflict. The President emphasized national unity, calling on Congolese citizens both within the country and abroad to support the military response. [/QUOTE]

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