félix tshisekedi warns against division among congoles in houston
During an emotional meeting with the Congolese community in Houston, President Félix Tshisekedi delivered a powerful message of unity and resilience, addressing both the nation’s football triumphs and its ongoing security challenges.
In a gathering that blended patriotism with football fever, President Félix Tshisekedi met with Congolese expatriates in Houston to celebrate the national football team’s historic first World Cup point—a 1-1 draw against Portugal. The encounter, held just hours after the match, saw the head of state emphasize the importance of national cohesion in the face of both sporting achievement and regional tensions.
The president urged his compatriots to remain vigilant against attempts to sow division, particularly through the manipulation of regionalism. « Their accomplices have gone mad. Stay united. Do not let them deceive you by exploiting regional differences. Never betray your country. There are still enemies among us—we once thought they were only in Rwanda, but they have infiltrated our ranks, » he declared to a captivated audience.
football as a symbol of resilience and pride
Tshisekedi hailed the performance of the national team, the Léopards, as a source of national pride. « The Léopards have made us proud. I’ve already asked FIFA to add extra tickets for Congolese fans here if we advance from our group. Don’t worry—we will support our ambassador’s efforts, » he announced, reflecting the government’s commitment to ensuring fans can follow the team’s progress.
The president framed the team’s success as a broader message of resilience, especially in light of the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. « Today, everyone who feared Cristiano Ronaldo saw how we played—despite a country at war. Let us stand tall, as our national anthem commands. Show the world what it means to be Congolese, » he declared.
a call for unity amid regional tensions
Tshisekedi’s remarks came as he addressed the persistent security crisis in the eastern provinces, including North Kivu and Ituri, where armed groups continue to destabilize communities. He expressed confidence in an imminent improvement, stating, « I believe that in the coming days, all of Congo will be liberated. Our brothers and sisters in Goma and Bukavu are celebrating, and soon we will be united. The enemies who infiltrated our ranks have taught us a lesson we won’t forget. Now, it’s time to build something greater, » he asserted.
The president also reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the crisis, vowing to return to the DRC to oversee progress. « I will be heading back to Congo to attend to other matters. I came here to bring luck for our first match. We are putting all necessary resources in place so you can continue supporting the team, » he explained.
vision for the future: pride and development
Tshisekedi’s speech was not limited to football and security. He called on the Congolese diaspora to take pride in their identity and invest in the nation’s future. « We’ve started with the Léopards, and we will extend this momentum to every field—football, basketball, science, and education. Be proud to be Congolese. It is my mission to restore that pride, » he declared.
The president concluded by urging his audience to reject divisive rhetoric and remain steadfast in their support for the nation. « When we said a dog could lead us, we opened the door to our enemies. Today, we must close that door once and for all, » he emphasized, echoing his earlier warning against internal divisions.
- Politics
