• Politics
• June 18, 2026 – 08:07

Félix Tshisekedi’s Houston address: a call for unity and vigilance against division

During a meeting with the Congolese diaspora in Houston, President Félix Tshisekedi delivered a powerful message of unity and resilience, following the Democratic Republic of Congo’s historic draw against Portugal in the World Cup. The president emphasized the need for national cohesion, warning against the exploitation of regional divisions and foreign interference.

« Their accomplices have gone mad. Stay united. Do not let them deceive you through regionalism. Refuse to betray your country. There are still sorcerers—we thought they were only in Rwanda, but they’ve infiltrated us, » Tshisekedi declared, addressing both domestic challenges and external threats. His remarks came as a response to growing political tensions and security concerns in eastern DRC.

The president also praised the national football team, the Leopards, for their performance, stating, « The Leopards have made us proud. I’ve asked FIFA if we advance from the group stage, they’ll reserve additional tickets for Congolese fans here. Fear not—we’re mobilizing resources to support our ambassador. »

Tshisekedi framed the team’s achievement as a symbol of national dignity, urging citizens to embrace their identity. « Today, everyone who feared Cristiano Ronaldo saw how we played—a nation at war like ours. Let’s stand tall as our national anthem commands. Show the world what it means to be Congolese, » he affirmed.

Addressing security in the east, he expressed optimism for progress: « I believe that in the coming months, all of Congo will be liberated. Our brothers and sisters are celebrating in Goma and Bukavu—soon, we’ll reunite. The enemies infiltrated us, but we’ve learned our lesson. Now, we must build something greater. »

The president concluded by reaffirming his commitment to national pride across all sectors—sports, education, and innovation. « We’ve started with the Leopards, and we’ll extend this momentum to basketball, science, and academia. Take pride in being Congolese. My mission is to restore that pride, » he stated.

DRC secured its first-ever World Cup point with the 1-1 draw against Portugal, marking a historic moment for the nation.