New York, Sept. 22, 2025 – On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo took his campaign for truth and justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the heart of American media power.
The Congolese Head of State attended two working lunches on Monday, including a high-profile side event that brought him face-to-face with some of the most influential U.S. and international outlets, among them Fox News, CNN, and The New York Times.
Calling Out Rwanda and M23
Responding without hesitation to questions on domestic and regional policy, Tshisekedi emphasized that the greatest obstacle to peace remains Rwanda’s ongoing interference in eastern DRC.
He denounced Kigali and its militia affiliates, the AFC/M23, for “torpedoing” the Doha peace process with repeated massacres. While reaffirming Congo’s commitment to the U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed on June 27, he made clear that Rwanda’s duplicity threatens to undo progress.
On GENOCOST and the Fight for Recognition
Tshisekedi also sharpened his plea for global recognition of what he termed the Congolese Genocide, or GENOCOST.
“It is time for the international community to recognize this planned genocide, corroborated by several expert reports, including those of the United Nations,” he declared.
The president argued that only recognition of these crimes, paired with justice for victims, can lay the foundation for lasting peace.
DIPLOMACY
Tshisekedi in New York: Engages U.S. Media on Congo, Rwanda & GENOCOST
Sep 24, 2025
Jul 11, 2026
3 min read
Published
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New York, Sept. 22, 2025 – On the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo took his campaign for truth and justice in the Democratic Republic of Congo to the heart of American media power.
The Congolese Head of State attended two working lunches on Monday, including a high-profile side event that brought him face-to-face with some of the most influential U.S. and international outlets, among them Fox News, CNN, and The New York Times.
Calling Out Rwanda and M23
Responding without hesitation to questions on domestic and regional policy, Tshisekedi emphasized that the greatest obstacle to peace remains Rwanda’s ongoing interference in eastern DRC.
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He denounced Kigali and its militia affiliates, the AFC/M23, for “torpedoing” the Doha peace process with repeated massacres. While reaffirming Congo’s commitment to the U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed on June 27, he made clear that Rwanda’s duplicity threatens to undo progress.
On GENOCOST and the Fight for Recognition
Tshisekedi also sharpened his plea for global recognition of what he termed the Congolese Genocide, or GENOCOST.
“It is time for the international community to recognize this planned genocide, corroborated by several expert reports, including those of the United Nations,” he declared.
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The president argued that only recognition of these crimes, paired with justice for victims, can lay the foundation for lasting peace.
On Domestic Politics
When pressed about recent developments in the National Assembly, Tshisekedi dismissed speculation of division at the top of government.
“This is an internal kitchen within the lower house,” he said, making clear that he continues to regard Vital Kamerhe as a political partner, unless Kamerhe himself decides otherwise.
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Media Impact and Strategic Outreach
By directly engaging with heavyweight media such as CNN, Fox News, and The New York Times, Tshisekedi aimed to internationalize Congo’s struggle, ensuring that the voices of victims in Kivu and Ituri reach global audiences. His intervention underscores Kinshasa’s strategy: pairing diplomacy with narrative power to counter Rwanda’s lobbying and silence on the world stage.
Conclusion: Congo’s Voice Amplified in the U.S.
President Tshisekedi’s mobilization of American media represents a critical step in shifting international opinion. By naming Rwanda as the aggressor, defending GENOCOST recognition, and reaffirming Congo’s readiness for peace, he positioned the DRC not as a victim but as a nation demanding justice and sovereignty.
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