In a speech delivered to both chambers of the DRC Parliament on December 11, 2024, Tshisekedi acknowledged that the country’s development efforts are under threat with the ongoing insecurity.

He out rightly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 group, which has been operating since November 2021, and of continuing to control territories such as Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Lubero, causing mass displacement of civilians.

Rwanda has repeatedly dismissed the accusations as baseless, instead blaming the DRC’s military of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) remnants of perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

President Tshisekedi reiterated his position in late 2023, declaring his intent to take military action against Rwanda if M23 fired at the city of Goma, and even suggested offering support in ousting President Paul Kagame from office.

Despite Tshisekedi’s claims of military success, the M23 rebel group has continued to expand its positions in North Kivu, capturing new territories in Walikale in October 2024 and gaining ground in Lubero, including areas of Kaseghe and Mathembe.

The Congolese Head of State commended the efforts of his armed forces, the Wazalendo militia, and the support of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which deployed additional troops to the North Kivu region for one year.

Tshisekedi also hailed the role of Angola in the ongoing peace talks, led by President João Lourenço as the mediator appointed by the African Union, which has been facilitating dialogue between Rwanda and the DRC since 2022.

Despite support for peace talks in Angola, Tshisekedi expressed skepticism, stating that he does not see negotiations as the sole solution. He emphasized the importance of military reforms, which he initiated in 2023 to improve the effectiveness of the DRC’s armed forces.

President Tshisekedi’s message comes ahead of the scheduled Luanda talks on December 15, 2024, where he is expected to meet with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame with Angola’s João Lourenço as the host.

The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, as both countries remain at crossroads over the situation in Eastern DRC.

DRC's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka took part in the Presidential address.

Tshisekedi addresses both chambers of the DRC Parliament on December 11, 2024.