Lisbon: Congolese Human Rights Minister Calls for Recognition of Genocide at Council of Europe

Lisbon, Portugal - On the sidelines of the Council of Europe conference opening Wednesday, October 29, 2025, Congolese Minister of Human Rights Samuel Mbemba called for international recognition of the Congolese genocide and an end to global silence regarding Rwandan aggression, which he said has claimed over 10 million lives.

Mbemba urged member states to strongly condemn the aggression, warning that inaction would amount to complicity. In response, members of the Executive Committee observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims in eastern DRC.

The minister also highlighted achievements of the Suminwa government in human rights, citing progress in judicial reforms, anti-corruption measures, gender equality initiatives, free education, and universal health coverage, underscoring ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and protect citizens’ rights.