President Félix Tshisekedi announced the imminent formation of a government of national unity on Saturday. During a meeting with members of political parties in the current ruling coalition, Mr. Tshisekedi told the attendees from the umbrella group known as the Sacred Union of the Nation to be united in order to confront external threats.

“Let us not be distracted by internal quarrels, external manipulations or tribal overtones… We must be united,” Mr. Tshisekedi said.

A strengthened diplomatic front

Mr. Tshisekedi welcomed the resolution adopted by the UN Security Council on Friday demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. However, he warned against any relaxation.

“We are certainly achieving diplomatic victories, but we must remain vigilant and active. The enemy is not going to give up and wants to continue plundering our resources. The fight is going to be tough, but we are not going to give up. We must unbolt this system,” Mr. Tshisekedi said.

The spokesperson for the presidency, Tina Salama, clarified some of the points discussed during the meeting. She notably highlighted the progress that has been made on the diplomatic front, citing the recognition for the first time of Rwanda as an aggressor country by the United Nations Security Council.

“This is the first time that Rwanda has been cited as an aggressor country. However, we must not rest on our laurels. We must remain vigilant because Rwanda is not alone. Those who want to plunder our resources are not going to give up. It is a whole system that will have to be dismantled,” Mrs. Salama said.

Tribute to the FARDC

In the context of the major security crisis in the east of the country, where the M23 rebels supported by the Rwandan army continue their advance, Mr. Tshisekedi paid tribute to the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC).

“On the military front, I pay a vibrant tribute to our soldiers, I am proud of them. Even if we lost battles, they gave their lives. We are facing internal betrayals but we will build a professional and sufficiently supported army,” Mr. Tshisekedi said.

The Head of State announced measures to improve the conditions of the military, including doubling their pay and granting them bonuses. He called for a general mobilization to defend the homeland.

“Our aggressors are not stronger than us. Let's mobilize! Let's defend the homeland, let's come together to face the enemy,” Mr. Tshisekedi concluded.