Washington DC – As Africans celebrated a historic moment for Congolese football on the global stage, a diplomatic dispute emerged following remarks by Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi that drew criticism from Rwanda. Rwanda’s Government Spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, accused the Congolese leader of transforming a moment of continental pride into a political platform marked by inflammatory rhetoric and renewed references to military action in eastern DRC.
The controversy followed the DRC national football team’s impressive 1–1 draw against Portugal in the FIFA World Cup, a result widely celebrated across Africa. The achievement carried special significance for the Congolese team, known as Les Léopards, as it marked the country’s first point in World Cup history during only its second appearance in the tournament. The nation’s previous participation had come more than five decades earlier, making the result a landmark moment for Congolese football and a source of pride for supporters throughout the continent.
President Tshisekedi, who attended the match, praised the determination and resilience displayed by the players. He noted that many observers had expected the team to struggle against a Portuguese side featuring some of the world’s most accomplished footballers, including Cristiano Ronaldo. According to Tshisekedi, the players demonstrated courage and an ability to compete at the highest level despite the challenges facing their country.
However, after the match, the Congolese leader addressed members of the Congolese diaspora in the United States and shifted his focus to political and security issues. During his remarks, he discussed the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC and alleged that individuals collaborating with the AFC/M23 coalition had been identified not only outside the country but also within Congolese institutions. He urged citizens to remain loyal to their nation and warned against what he described as internal betrayal.
Tshisekedi also reflected on the political history of the DRC, praising the late President Laurent-Désiré Kabila while criticizing forces he believes undermined the country’s sovereignty. He further expressed confidence that the government would eventually regain control of territories including Goma and Bukavu, two major eastern cities that have remained outside Kinshasa’s authority for an extended period. He told supporters that he remained optimistic about the future and believed that national unity and determination would ultimately lead to the restoration of government control across the country.
The remarks quickly attracted a response from Rwanda. Through a statement posted on social media, Rwanda’s Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo said the performance of Les Léopards had inspired Africans and created a rare moment of collective celebration. She argued that President Tshisekedi’s decision to use the occasion to criticize Rwanda and speak about continued military operations detracted from the positive spirit generated by the match.
Makolo maintained that sports should serve as a platform for unity and mutual respect rather than political confrontation. She further argued that the comments were inconsistent with the spirit of the Washington Agreement, a diplomatic framework designed to address long-standing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. According to Rwanda, the agreement represents an important opportunity to replace confrontation with cooperation and to pursue lasting solutions to regional security challenges.
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The Washington Agreement, signed on December 4, 2025, established a roadmap for addressing key security concerns in the Great Lakes region. Among its provisions is a plan aimed at neutralizing the FDLR which committed the 1994 genocide against Tutsi and a group that Rwanda has consistently identified as a major security threat. The agreement also includes measures related to the voluntary repatriation of refugees and broader efforts to improve stability and trust between the neighboring countries.
Beyond security matters, the accord outlines ambitious economic and development initiatives intended to create shared prosperity. One of the most significant projects is the Rusizi III hydroelectric dam, a regional infrastructure investment expected to generate 206 megawatts of electricity and provide power to hundreds of thousands of residents. Scheduled for completion by 2030, the project is viewed as an important step toward strengthening energy access and supporting economic growth throughout the region.
The agreement also encourages cooperation in the mining sector, with both countries seeking to move beyond the export of raw minerals and invest in value-added processing. Supporters of the initiative believe that local beneficiation and harmonized regulations could create jobs, attract investment, and increase economic opportunities for communities on both sides of the border. Additional provisions call for joint efforts to develop methane gas resources from Lake Kivu and transform them into a reliable source of electricity capable of supporting regional development.
While implementation of the agreement has faced challenges and progress has remained uneven, Rwanda continues to emphasize the importance of dialogue, economic cooperation, and adherence to commitments made by both parties. Rwanda believes that the region possesses enormous potential for growth if neighboring countries work together to address security concerns and pursue mutually beneficial development projects.
As diplomatic tensions continue alongside efforts to advance peace initiatives, Rwanda has reiterated its belief that cooperation rather than confrontation offers the most sustainable path forward. Officials maintain that successful implementation of the Washington Agreement could help unlock economic opportunities, strengthen regional stability, facilitate the return of displaced populations, and create the conditions necessary for lasting peace throughout the Great Lakes region. The debate sparked by President Tshisekedi’s remarks has therefore highlighted not only ongoing political disagreements but also the broader challenge of ensuring that diplomatic commitments are translated into tangible progress for the people of both Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
