The AFC/M23 coalition has sharply criticized President Félix Tshisekedi following his remarks in Houston after DR Congo's historic 1-1 World Cup draw against Portugal, accusing him of jeopardizing ongoing peace efforts in eastern Congo. According to a report by Actualité.cd , the group described the president's speech as “irresponsible” and “belligerent.”

Speaking in Goma on June 18, AFC/M23 political coordinator Corneille Nangaa claimed Tshisekedi's comments amounted to a declaration of war despite ongoing negotiations involving regional and international mediators. He argued that references to military operations and the eventual recovery of territories currently outside government control contradicted the spirit of ceasefire commitments.

Nangaa said the remarks risk undermining diplomatic initiatives, including the Doha process and broader international efforts aimed at reducing tensions in eastern DR Congo. He further warned that AFC/M23 would respond to what he described as threats coming from Kinshasa.

The reaction came less than a day after Tshisekedi addressed members of the Congolese diaspora in the United States following the Leopards' draw with Portugal at the FIFA World Cup. During that appearance, the president praised the national team's resilience and used the moment to call for unity among Congolese citizens at home and abroad.

The exchange highlights the deep mistrust that continues to surround peace initiatives in eastern Congo. While diplomatic efforts backed by regional actors, Qatar and the United States have produced agreements on paper, fighting and political tensions remain unresolved on the ground.

For observers, the latest war of words illustrates the challenge facing mediators: translating diplomatic commitments into lasting stability while both sides continue to interpret events through competing political and military narratives.