Tshisekedi Addresses Rwanda Tensions, U.S. Relations and Eastern Congo Conflict

Kinshasa, May 8, 2026 - Félix Tshisekedi has reiterated that he was previously prepared to launch military action against Rwanda if the city of Goma had fallen to the M23 rebel group, saying he later abandoned the idea after realizing his military capabilities had been misrepresented to him.

Speaking during a recent press conference, Tshisekedi said he had initially considered direct intervention but ultimately concluded that the Congolese army was not sufficiently prepared for such an operation.

The Congolese president also discussed relations with the United States, describing Washington as a close partner and linking that relationship to his government’s willingness to receive migrants under agreements with the United States.

Tshisekedi further addressed ongoing regional diplomatic efforts, including the Washington agreement and negotiations held in Doha aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The crisis in eastern Congo, marked by fighting involving the M23 rebel movement and other armed groups, remains one of the country’s most pressing security challenges.

During the press conference, Tshisekedi warned that continued instability in eastern Congo could affect the country’s political future, stating that elections scheduled for 2028 may not take place if the conflict persists.

His remarks come amid ongoing regional and international efforts to restore security and advance political dialogue in eastern DRC.