Paris, October 30, 2025. In a historic speech delivered before world leaders, civil society organizations, and regional mediators at the Paris Conference for Peace in the Great Lakes Region, President Félix Tshisekedi delivered a blunt and courageous message: “The humanitarian crisis in Congo is not a coincidence; it is the result of an organized war waged against our sovereignty.”
Standing alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and African Union mediator President Faure Gnassingbé, President Tshisekedi used the international stage to reframe Congo’s crisis as a political and military aggression fueled by Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebel group rather than merely a humanitarian emergency.
“This reality is documented and recognized: the AFC/M23, supported logistically, financially, and operationally by Rwanda, has violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of my country,” Tshisekedi declared to resounding applause.
A Crisis Manufactured, Not Natural
“For more than thirty years,” Tshisekedi continued, “the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been bleeding from a wound that has never been closed. This is not a passing crisis. It is a prolonged tragedy.”
He painted a vivid picture of the human cost: millions displaced, families shattered, children growing up in trauma, and women enduring unspeakable violence.
President Macron echoed those horrors, citing that in the DRC:
“A woman is raped every 4 minutes, and a child every 30 minutes.”
1.5 Billion Euros and a Diplomatic Victory
The Paris Conference successfully mobilized over €1.5 billion in pledges for humanitarian aid across the Great Lakes region. But President Tshisekedi was clear that money alone won’t stop the bloodshed.
DRC PEACE EFFORT
Tshisekedi Puts Rwanda on Trial at Paris Forum
Oct 30, 2025
May 15, 2026
4 min read
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Paris, October 30, 2025. In a historic speech delivered before world leaders, civil society organizations, and regional mediators at the Paris Conference for Peace in the Great Lakes Region, President Félix Tshisekedi delivered a blunt and courageous message: “The humanitarian crisis in Congo is not a coincidence; it is the result of an organized war waged against our sovereignty.”
Standing alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and African Union mediator President Faure Gnassingbé, President Tshisekedi used the international stage to reframe Congo’s crisis as a political and military aggression fueled by Rwanda’s support of the M23 rebel group rather than merely a humanitarian emergency.
“This reality is documented and recognized: the AFC/M23, supported logistically, financially, and operationally by Rwanda, has violated the sovereignty and territorial integrity of my country,” Tshisekedi declared to resounding applause.
A Crisis Manufactured, Not Natural
“For more than thirty years,” Tshisekedi continued, “the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been bleeding from a wound that has never been closed. This is not a passing crisis. It is a prolonged tragedy.”
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He painted a vivid picture of the human cost: millions displaced, families shattered, children growing up in trauma, and women enduring unspeakable violence.
President Macron echoed those horrors, citing that in the DRC:
“A woman is raped every 4 minutes, and a child every 30 minutes.”
1.5 Billion Euros and a Diplomatic Victory
The Paris Conference successfully mobilized over €1.5 billion in pledges for humanitarian aid across the Great Lakes region. But President Tshisekedi was clear that money alone won’t stop the bloodshed.
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“This funding must not be seen as one-off aid, but as an investment to prevent the humanitarian collapse of a region that is strategically important for peace on the continent.”
The Three Demands: Access, Accountability, Withdrawal
In a structured appeal to the international community, Tshisekedi outlined three non-negotiable requests:
Immediate, guaranteed humanitarian access to deliver food, medical care, and protection to civilians in conflict zones.
Sustained international funding to meet emergency needs for displaced people and survivors of violence.
Full political alignment, with UN Security Council Resolution 2773, which demands:
The withdrawal of the AFC/M23 from the occupied areas.
The withdrawal of all foreign forces, implicitly referring to Rwandan troops and proxies.
“Any lasting peace begins with the end of the occupation of Congolese territory,” Tshisekedi stressed.“On this matter, there can be neither double talk nor moral compromise.”
Congo Takes Responsibility. Will the World?
In his most emotional remarks, President Tshisekedi reminded the world what is at stake:
“Behind every statistic we cite today, there is a child sleeping under a tarp instead of a roof. There is a mother who fled with nothing but her child’s hand.”“What we are asking for is the truth. What we are asking for is justice. What we are asking for is peace. A lasting peace.”
He concluded by stating that Congo is doing its part. The time has come for the international community to stand up, speak clearly, and take action.
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Context: Why This Matters Now
This Paris forum marks a turning point. For years, Congo’s pleas have been ignored. But today, with growing global awareness, documentary proof of Rwanda’s involvement, and increasing diplomatic unity, Congo’s voice is finally being heard.
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