KINSHASA, Congo — The President of Congo has announced plans to initiate a unity government amidst a backdrop of escalating violence in the eastern part of the nation and increasing scrutiny over his response to the situation.

During a meeting with the Sacred Union of the Nation coalition on Saturday, President Felix Tshisekedi addressed the recent advances made by Rwandan-backed rebels who have taken control of significant cities in eastern Congo. He urged coalition members to refrain from becoming sidetracked by internal disputes.

“I may have lost a battle, but the war is not over. It’s crucial for me to extend a hand to all, including those in opposition. We will establish a government of national unity,” Tshisekedi stated. However, he did not provide specific details regarding the structure or timeline for this new government.

The M23 rebels, currently the most prominent of over 100 armed factions engaged in the struggle for dominance and influence in eastern Congo, have made substantial gains by seizing key urban areas, resulting in the deaths of approximately 3,000 individuals. In a rapid military campaign lasting just three weeks, the M23 captured the primary city of Goma as well as Bukavu, the second-largest city in the region.

According to U.N. experts, the M23 enjoys the backing of around 4,000 troops from Rwanda, and they have expressed intentions to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital located over 1,000 miles away.

Rwanda has accused the Congolese government of recruiting ethnic Hutu fighters linked to the 1994 genocide against Tutsis and moderate Hutus. On the other hand, the M23 claims it is engaged in combat to defend Tutsis and Congolese individuals of Rwandan descent from discrimination and is committed to reforming Congo into a modern state. Analysts have characterized these justifications as merely a cover for Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict.

On the same day, President Tshisekedi honored the soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict and pledged to reinforce the military’s capabilities to handle the crisis.