DRC’s Tshisekedi Demands UN Recognition of “Silent Genocide”

Congolese president urges international action against violence and exploitation in eastern Congo

At the 2025 UN General Assembly in New York, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi issued one of the most urgent appeals of the summit, calling the violence in his country’s eastern provinces a “silent genocide.” Speaking to world leaders, he pressed for recognition of the humanitarian catastrophe and demanded stronger measures from the international community.

Non-Negotiable Conditions for Peace

Tshisekedi made it clear that peace in Congo cannot be achieved without ending external interference and rebel control. “The withdrawal of Rwandan troops, the end of their support to the M23 rebel movement, and the restoration of Congolese State authority over occupied areas constitute non-negotiable conditions for a lasting peace,” he declared. His message underscored mounting frustrations with international inaction as the crisis deepens.

A Region Plagued by Conflict

Eastern DRC, one of the world’s richest sources of gold, coltan, and cobalt, has endured conflict for more than three decades. The violence escalated again in 2021 with the resurgence of M23, a rebel group accused of committing atrocities and destabilizing the region. The UN has reported that Rwanda provides military backing to M23, a claim Kigali has consistently denied.

UN Reports of Atrocities

A recent United Nations investigation documented allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by armed groups and state actors alike. The findings add to years of reports that civilians in eastern Congo face massacres, mass displacement, sexual violence, and forced recruitment of children into armed groups. Tshisekedi pointed to these findings as further proof that the violence amounts to genocide.

Appeal for Global Recognition

“Recognize the Congolese genocide, support our struggle for truth and justice, and help us finally build a lasting peace in the heart of Africa,” Tshisekedi urged the assembly. His words were aimed at pushing the UN to formally acknowledge the crisis, which many international observers have long described as one of the world’s deadliest but least reported conflicts.

Call for Sanctions and Accountability

The Congolese leader called on the UN to impose targeted sanctions against individuals and groups responsible for atrocities, including political and military leaders linked to economic crimes. He emphasized that holding perpetrators accountable is essential not only for justice but also for breaking the cycle of impunity that has allowed the violence to persist.

The Mineral Trade and War Economy

Tshisekedi also drew attention to the role of Congo’s vast mineral wealth in sustaining the conflict. “For decades, minerals have financed war and human tragedy,” he said, urging global action to disrupt the illicit mineral trade. According to experts, armed groups—including M23—profit heavily from illegal mining and cross-border smuggling, while international markets remain complicit by purchasing tainted minerals used in electronics and green technologies.

The Humanitarian Toll

The conflict has left millions displaced and communities devastated. Human rights organizations estimate that thousands of civilians have been killed in the last three years alone, while sexual violence continues to be used as a weapon of war. Aid agencies warn that without stronger international engagement, the humanitarian situation in eastern Congo will deteriorate further, exacerbating one of the largest displacement crises in Africa.

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A Plea for Lasting Peace

Tshisekedi ended his speech with a call for solidarity and lasting solutions. He urged the UN not to settle for symbolic gestures but to act decisively to protect civilians, dismantle the rebel economy, and strengthen Congolese sovereignty. “The world must not look away,” he said. “The people of Congo deserve peace, justice, and dignity.”

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