DRC’s Tshisekedi in Paris Calls for Global Action to End “Protracted Tragedy” in the Great Lakes Region

Paris, October 20, 2025 - Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi has denounced what he called a “protracted tragedy” caused by ongoing armed aggression in eastern Congo, urging the international community to take firm and coordinated action to restore peace.

Speaking Thursday, October 30, on the sidelines of the international conference on peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region, held in Paris, Tshisekedi accused the M23 rebel group - backed by Rwanda - of being the primary driver of the worsening humanitarian crisis in his country.

The Congolese leader called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2773, stressing the need for stronger humanitarian coordination and sustainable funding to support millions of displaced people.

“Behind every statistic lies a human tragedy,” Tshisekedi said, insisting that true peace in the Great Lakes must rest on justice, regional economic integration, and an end to the plundering of natural resources.

He concluded by urging the world to act decisively, saying prosperity and security are inseparable in the quest for lasting stability in the region.