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Felix Tshisekedi, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo, arrives to speak during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, US, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. Photo GettyImages
Tshisekedi at UNGA80: Highlights on Justice, Rwanda & Africa
Highlights from Tshisekedi’s UNGA80 speech: justice for Congo, recognition of GENOCOST, exposing Rwanda’s lies, and a call for Pan-African unity
9/24/25, 7:10 AM
Speaking before world leaders at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo delivered one of his most forceful speeches yet. He combined a call for justice over Congo’s long-silenced tragedy with a direct rebuke of Rwanda and a bold affirmation of Africa’s rightful place on the global stage.
On GENOCOST and Congo’s Long-Silenced Tragedy
This is not only a conflict, it is a silent genocide that has struck the Congolese people for more than 30 years. All the markers of a project of extermination are present.”
I call on this Assembly: recognize the Congolese genocide, support our fight for truth and justice, and help us finally build a lasting peace at the heart of Africa.”
Tshisekedi urged the UN to support an independent international commission of inquiry and impose sanctions on those financing war through blood minerals. He made clear that Congo is not asking for charity:
The Democratic Republic of Congo does not ask for charity or pity. It demands justice, truth, and dignity.”
On Rwanda’s Deception and M23 Atrocities
The president directly exposed Rwanda’s role in fueling conflict:
“In July, more than 300 civilians, including 48 women and 19 children, were massacred in Rutshuru by M23 with the support of Rwandan defense forces. These crimes are not isolated; they form part of a macabre continuity.”
He accused Kigali of false gestures of withdrawal while continuing to back M23:
Rwanda pretends to have withdrawn its troops, but in reality they remain on Congolese soil and continue to support their auxiliaries. These maneuvers are designed to delay peace and worsen the crisis.”
On Africa’s Place in the World
Tshisekedi used the global platform to demand reforms in the UN Security Council:
“With 54 states and more than 1.2 billion inhabitants, Africa cannot remain on the sidelines of decisions that affect global peace and security. Africa must have permanent seats, with all the rights and responsibilities, including the veto.”
On Minerals and Sovereignty
Tshisekedi tied Congo’s mineral wealth to dignity and national development:
“This is not a sell-off of our minerals for the interests of a few individuals. It is an exchange of minerals for the development of our country — for infrastructure, energy, industrialization, and education.”
He demanded global reforms to break the toxic link between resource plunder and war:
“We must cut off illicit mineral supply chains that finance decades of war and human tragedy in Congo. Silence and inaction are complicity.”
On Pan-African Unity
Congo’s leader praised African-led processes in Luanda, Nairobi, Lomé, and Doha that converge toward peace:
Together, these initiatives have laid the foundations of a unified regional mechanism. Our goal remains unchanged: a just, lasting, and verifiable peace not a false calm that deceives our people.”
He framed Congo’s struggle as part of Africa’s collective destiny:
“We extend our hand for peace, but we will never accept peace built on impunity and oblivion. History will judge us by our courage to recognize mass crimes, including genocide, and to end impunity.”
Conclusion: Congo at the Center of Global Conscience
Tshisekedi’s address went beyond diplomacy. It was a rallying cry for truth, justice, and Pan-African dignity. By naming Rwanda’s duplicity, demanding recognition of GENOCOST, and tying Congo’s mineral wealth to sovereignty, Tshisekedi reminded the world that Congo is not a victim but a nation determined to shape Africa’s future.
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