Brussels extends a hand: ‘The notion of the DRC as a warmongering country has been destroyed’  (President Tshisekedi)

Kinshasa, October 12^th, 2025 (CPA). – The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo said on Saturday that he had destroyed the image of his country as a warmongering nation, falsely attributed to it, by extending his hand in peace to his Rwandan counterpart during a meeting on Saturday with the Congolese diaspora in Brussels, Belgium. « I did it openly. I extended my hand to the person who obviously represents the forces attacking the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to let the whole world be my witness. Because for some time now, we, the victims, have been portrayed as warmongers, when in fact we are the ones being attacked and, as victims, we have the right to defend ourselves. And since we want this peace, I am now extending my hand. So, respond to that (…) », explained President Félix Tshisekedi during this meeting with the Congolese diaspora. ‘We are the first to want peace,’ insisted the President of the DRC, arguing that this gesture, which did not elicit a positive response from the recipient, also exposed a deep political manipulation, unfortunately involving the country’s sons. ‘So, this is to tell you that we have succeeded in unmasking, of course, those who were behind this manipulation. And I tell you that this manipulation goes right to the heart of the country,’ said President Félix Tshisekedi.  For the Congolese Head of State, this outstretched hand will never be a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of nobility. ‘So, this is not weakness at all. On the contrary, it is nobility to know how to make peace among the brave. I am waiting for a response. I know that this has caused concern. I am not taking into account what has been said. I know that they will reflect on this and make me an offer,’ he said. President Tshisekedi extended his hand to his Rwandan counterpart during his speech on Thursday at the Global Gateway Forum, an international summit organised by the European Union. ACP/