DRC President Tshisekedi Launches Campaign to Recognize “Genocide” in Eastern Congo

Edited By: Widad WAHBI

Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has called on the country’s parliament to officially recognize the massacres committed in the eastern provinces as a genocide. This appeal comes amid ongoing violence in a region long plagued by conflict and rich in mineral resources.

Speaking during the annual “Genocide for Economic Gain” (Genocost) commemoration, Tshisekedi stated that the atrocities meet the criteria outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. “I solemnly urge both Houses of Parliament to swiftly adopt an official resolution declaring, on behalf of the nation, the recognition of the genocide committed on our soil,” he declared.

The situation in eastern DRC, particularly in North and South Kivu, has drastically worsened in 2025. Armed group M23, reportedly backed by Rwanda, captured the provincial capital of Goma in January and later took Bukavu in February. The offensive has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands, according to Congolese authorities and the United Nations.

On the international front, President Tshisekedi pledged to launch an “offensive campaign” this fall aimed at securing recognition of the Genocost from foreign governments and global institutions. “Determined to uphold the truth, I have committed our nation to high-level advocacy for the international recognition of the Genocost,” he emphasized.