The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, has urged Congolese living in the United States to remain united and vigilant against those seeking to exploit divisions within the nation. Speaking to a gathering of supporters in Houston following the DRC national football team’s historic 1-1 draw with Portugal in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, he emphasized the importance of national pride and collective strength.
a call for unity in the face of adversity
Addressing the crowd, President Tshisekedi did not mince words about the challenges facing the DRC, particularly in the eastern regions where armed groups continue to destabilize communities. He warned against falling prey to regionalism or external manipulation, stating, “Their allies have gone mad. Stay united. Do not let them deceive you with regionalism or betray your country. There are still witches among us—we thought they were only in Rwanda, but they have infiltrated us.”
Celebrating the Léopards’ resilience
The president hailed the DRC’s national football team, the Léopards, for their performance against Portugal, calling it a symbol of national pride. “The Léopards have made us proud. I’ve asked FIFA to add more tickets for Congolese supporters here if we advance from the group stage,” he said. He also highlighted the broader message sent by the team’s efforts: “Today, those who fear Cristiano Ronaldo saw how a nation at war can still compete. Let us stand tall as Congolese and show the world our dignity.”
security and national aspirations
Tshisekedi acknowledged the ongoing security crisis in the eastern DRC but expressed optimism about the future. “I believe that in the coming months, all of Congo will be liberated,” he declared. He reassured citizens in cities like Goma and Bukavu that the government is working to restore peace and stability. “The enemies had infiltrated us, but we’ve learned our lesson. Now, we must build something greater.”
The president also reiterated his commitment to addressing the country’s challenges, stating, “I will return to the DRC to tackle other matters. I came here only to bring luck for the first match. We are ensuring you can follow the team’s progress.”
fostering pride and development
Tshisekedi’s address was not limited to football or security. He called on Congolese to take pride in their identity and invest in various sectors, from sports to education and science. “We started with the Léopards, but we will extend this to basketball, academia, and beyond. Be proud of being Congolese—that is my mission, to restore that pride,” he affirmed.
The DRC secured its first-ever point in World Cup history with the draw against Portugal, a milestone that resonated deeply with the diaspora and citizens alike. As Tshisekedi prepares to leave the U.S., his message remains clear: unity and resilience are the cornerstones of the DRC’s future.
