KINSHASA, Congo - President Félix Tshisekedi blamed Rwanda for Goma's fall to rebels and called for mass army recruitment in a national address Thursday.
"A strong response against these terrorists and their sponsors is coming," Tshisekedi said, accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels who captured eastern Congo's largest city this week.
He named Major General Hébariste Somo Kakoulé as North Kivu's new military governor, replacing Major General Peter Chirimwami Nkuba who died in combat.
Tshisekedi ordered cuts to government spending to support the war effort. He urged young Congolese to join the army and asked businesses to help fund military operations.
"The Democratic Republic of Congo will not bow," he said. "We will fight, and we will win."
The president condemned recent attacks on foreign embassies in Kinshasa. Protesters targeted diplomatic buildings after M23 took control of Goma.
He criticized international groups for their "silence and inaction" toward Rwanda. He said Rwanda sent thousands of troops into Congo and helped rebels exploit the country's resources.
"Rwanda keeps breaking UN rules without punishment," Tshisekedi said. He warned this could destabilize central Africa.
The speech aimed to unite Congolese behind the military campaign to retake Goma. Tshisekedi promised aid for people fleeing the fighting.
"This is the fight for our Congolese identity," he said. "We must give our children a peaceful country."
Congo plans to strengthen security in key areas. The government will also maintain basic services in conflict zones.
Tshisekedi honored fallen soldiers, including UN peacekeepers and troops from southern African countries fighting alongside Congo's army.
"A strong response against these terrorists and their sponsors is coming," Tshisekedi said, accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels who captured eastern Congo's largest city this week.
He named Major General Hébariste Somo Kakoulé as North Kivu's new military governor, replacing Major General Peter Chirimwami Nkuba who died in combat.
Tshisekedi ordered cuts to government spending to support the war effort. He urged young Congolese to join the army and asked businesses to help fund military operations.
"The Democratic Republic of Congo will not bow," he said. "We will fight, and we will win."
The president condemned recent attacks on foreign embassies in Kinshasa. Protesters targeted diplomatic buildings after M23 took control of Goma.
He criticized international groups for their "silence and inaction" toward Rwanda. He said Rwanda sent thousands of troops into Congo and helped rebels exploit the country's resources.
"Rwanda keeps breaking UN rules without punishment," Tshisekedi said. He warned this could destabilize central Africa.
The speech aimed to unite Congolese behind the military campaign to retake Goma. Tshisekedi promised aid for people fleeing the fighting.
"This is the fight for our Congolese identity," he said. "We must give our children a peaceful country."
Congo plans to strengthen security in key areas. The government will also maintain basic services in conflict zones.
Tshisekedi honored fallen soldiers, including UN peacekeepers and troops from southern African countries fighting alongside Congo's army.
