New York, Sept. 23, 2025 – French President Emmanuel Macron used his address at the United Nations General Assembly to call for the protection of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s sovereignty and the restoration of hope to people suffering in the country’s conflict-ridden east.

“In the Great Lakes region, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo must be respected,” Macron said. “We must restore hope to the people of Kivu and to the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced.”

The French leader announced that Paris will host a meeting next month to bring together key partners able to respond to the humanitarian emergency in eastern Congo and coordinate peace efforts. Macron also welcomed the role already played by the African Union, neighboring countries, Qatar, and the United States in peace initiatives.

• READ ALSO: Rwanda-backed M23 rebels massacred over 140 civilians near Virunga Park in eastern Congo,

Congolese officials and international human rights groups have repeatedly accused Rwanda and its proxy militia, the M23, of violating Congo’s sovereignty. Kigali is accused of deploying troops and backing the rebel group in eastern DRC, fueling violence, mass displacement, and the looting of minerals.

He stressed that humanitarian needs in Congo cannot be overlooked, saying the international community has no right to ignore the suffering caused by the ongoing conflict.