Congolese Authorities Vow Continued Resistance

(MENAFN) The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo sought to calm public concern on Friday, assuring citizens that the “military will not surrender” in the wake of Uvira’s capture.

Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa delivered the message several days after M23 insurgents took control of the strategic commercial center in eastern South Kivu province, close to the Burundian frontier, encountering no opposition.

During consultations with ambassadors and diplomatic representatives, Ngefa voiced the administration’s condemnation of the recent surge in hostilities.

He reiterated the state’s resolve to “defend the integrity of its territory, and promised that the strategic city of Uvira would be recaptured by the government forces.”

“Faced with this situation, the Congolese government has a clear and responsible position. First, we will not surrender. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, supported by allied forces, are reorganizing and repositioning themselves to defend the integrity of the territory. The battle to liberate South Kivu is not over,” said Ngefa.

The renewed clashes across multiple areas of South Kivu erupted shortly after President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame concluded a peace and economic accord aimed at halting violence in eastern Congo.

Since then, mutual allegations have emerged, with both parties accusing one another of breaching the ceasefire stipulated in a peace agreement mediated by the United States.

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