Congo un speech fiery at un summit Angola condemns global inaction
Félix Tshisekedi denounces international indifference during historic UN-backed forum in Luanda
The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, delivered a scathing address at the third edition of the UN Alliance of Civilizations summit in Luanda, where he was warmly received by his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço. His speech cut through diplomatic niceties to expose what he described as a collective failure of the international community in addressing the escalating crisis in eastern Congo.
The Congolese leader framed the conflict not as a regional tragedy, but as a litmus test for the credibility of global institutions. He condemned the “trivialization of war” and the “silence of diplomatic conveniences”, arguing that empty condemnations and temporary ceasefires have only deepened the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
“We cannot accept a world where international law becomes a ceremonial language devoid of action. The bloodshed in eastern Congo is not a footnote in history—it is a stain on our collective conscience. Silence is complicity, and indifference is a betrayal of the values we claim to uphold.”
The President’s remarks targeted the persistent aggression by the M23 rebel group, widely suspected of receiving external support, and the perceived inaction of global powers in holding accountable those responsible for destabilizing the region.
Eastern Congo: A global security crisis in urgent need of action
Tshisekedi did not mince words when he declared that the conflict in eastern Congo is a systemic threat to international peace and security. He warned that allowing sovereign borders to be violated with impunity—backed by neighboring states—undermines the very foundations of multilateralism.
“The battle for Congo’s territorial integrity is not just ours. It is the battle for the soul of the international order. When might replaces right, no nation is safe. The world must wake up to this reality before it is too late.”
The Congolese President emphasized that the crisis demands more than rhetorical condemnation; it requires tangible measures, including sanctions, peacekeeping reinforcements, and a commitment to justice for victims of war crimes.
Behind-the-scenes diplomacy: A strategic meeting with João Lourenço
On the sidelines of the summit, Tshisekedi held a crucial meeting with João Lourenço, the African Union’s designated mediator for the Congo crisis. The two leaders assessed the latest developments on the ground and discussed the next steps in the Luanda Process, a regional initiative aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability.
With the Democratic Republic of the Congo currently holding the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, Tshisekedi’s impassioned speech signals the beginning of a bold diplomatic offensive. Kinshasa is determined to leverage its position to push for concrete solutions, ensuring that the suffering of the Congolese people is no longer ignored on the world stage.
