The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi addressed the 2025 UN General Assembly, describing the ongoing violence in eastern Congo as a “silent genocide” that requires immediate international attention. He urged world leaders to recognize the crisis and take concrete action to ensure a lasting peace in the region.
Eastern DRC has been plagued by conflict for over three decades, with violence escalating sharply since 2021 due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group. The United Nations has reported that the group receives military backing from neighboring Rwanda, contributing to the worsening situation. A recent UN investigation has pointed to possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all parties involved in the conflict.
President Tshisekedi emphasized the need for international recognition of the Congolese genocide and support for the country’s struggle for truth and justice. He called on the UN and its member states to go beyond words and take tangible steps to address the crisis. Specifically, he requested targeted sanctions on those responsible for war crimes and economic crimes, as well as disruption of the illicit mineral trade that fuels the violence.
The region’s rich mineral resources have long been a factor in the conflict, with these resources financing war and human tragedy for decades. President Tshisekedi’s appeal for international action highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive solution to the crisis. The situation in eastern DRC remains a significant concern for the international community, with the UN and its member states facing increasing pressure to respond effectively to the crisis.
The UN General Assembly’s attention to the issue marks a critical moment in the international community’s response to the crisis. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community will be watching for concrete actions to address the violence and ensure a lasting peace in the region. The implementation of targeted sanctions and disruption of the illicit mineral trade could be crucial steps in addressing the crisis and promoting stability in eastern DRC.
