President Tshisekedi's Urgent Plea at UN General Assembly
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi delivered a powerful address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2025, describing the ongoing violence in the eastern part of his country as a 'silent genocide.' He implored the international community to acknowledge the severity of the crisis and take decisive action to halt the bloodshed and suffering.
Calls for International Recognition and Concrete Action
During his speech, President Tshisekedi outlined several non-negotiable conditions for achieving lasting peace in the region. He specifically called for:
- The immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.
- An end to Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebel group.
- The restoration of the Congolese State's authority over all occupied areas.
- The establishment of a regime of targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for economic crimes, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in eastern DRC.
- Support for actions aimed at disrupting the illicit mineral trade, which has fueled conflict and human tragedy for decades.
Tshisekedi emphasized, 'Recognize the Congolese genocide, support our struggle for truth and justice, and help us finally build a lasting peace in the heart of Africa.'
Deepening Humanitarian Crisis in Mineral-Rich East
The eastern DRC, a region abundant in minerals such as cobalt and gold, has been plagued by conflict for over three decades. The violence has intensified sharply since 2021, largely due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group. A United Nations investigation has indicated possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all parties involved in the conflict.
The humanitarian situation is dire, with over 7.8 million people now internally displaced, marking the highest figure on record. Additionally, 28 million people face food insecurity, with nearly four million at emergency levels. Reports detail widespread atrocities, including massacres, abductions, forced recruitment, and sexual violence, perpetrated by various armed groups such as M23, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), CODECO, and Wazalendo militias.
Accusations and Regional Dynamics
The DRC government has consistently accused neighboring Rwanda of backing the M23 rebellion, a claim that Rwanda has repeatedly denied. The conflict is further complicated by the involvement of numerous other armed groups vying for control over land and resources. President Tshisekedi's plea underscores the urgent need for the international community to move beyond rhetoric and implement concrete measures to address the complex and devastating crisis in eastern Congo.
6 Comments
Bella Ciao
The alleged support for M23 by Rwanda is a serious accusation that warrants thorough international investigation. However, focusing solely on external actors risks ignoring the deep-seated historical grievances and local power struggles that fuel these conflicts from within Congolese society.
Comandante
The illicit mineral trade fueling this horror must be stopped. Targeted sanctions are essential to cut off funding for these groups.
Bermudez
Targeted sanctions against those profiting from illicit minerals sound like a step in the right direction, yet enforcing them effectively without further destabilizing the region or harming vulnerable populations will be a monumental challenge. The global supply chain makes it difficult.
Africa
It's absolutely vital for the world to address the immense suffering in Eastern Congo and the illicit resource exploitation that perpetuates it. However, past international interventions have often had unintended consequences, so any action must be carefully considered and genuinely locally informed to avoid exacerbating the situation.
Coccinella
Finally, someone is calling this what it is: a genocide! The world needs to wake up.
Loubianka
The humanitarian crisis in Eastern DRC is undeniably horrific and demands global attention, but labeling it a 'genocide' might overshadow the complex internal dynamics and the roles of various armed groups. A nuanced understanding is critical for effective solutions.