The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, took a moment during his visit to Houston to address the Congolese diaspora, emphasizing the critical importance of national unity and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

Speaking to a packed audience of Congolese expatriates, Tshisekedi reflected on the recent FIFA World Cup match between the DRC and Portugal, where the national team secured a historic first point in their World Cup history with a 1-1 draw. The president praised the team’s performance, calling it a source of pride for all Congolese people.

« The Leopards have made us proud. I’ve even asked FIFA if we advance from the group stage, they’ll add more tickets for Congolese here. Don’t worry—we’ll give our ambassador the means to support you, » Tshisekedi declared, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring the diaspora could follow their team’s progress.

But the president didn’t limit his remarks to football. He also addressed the persistent security crisis in the eastern DRC, warning against division and the dangers of regionalism. « Their accomplices are going crazy. Stay united. Don’t let them fool you, don’t let them use regionalism to manipulate you. Reject any attempt to betray your country. There are still witches among us—some thought they were only in Rwanda, but they’ve infiltrated our ranks, » he stated, underscoring the need for vigilance against internal and external threats.

Tshisekedi’s message was clear: the DRC must stand together. « Today, everyone who fears Cristiano Ronaldo saw how we played—a country at war like ours. Let’s rise up as our national anthem says. Show the world what it means to be Congolese, » he urged.

The president also reassured the diaspora that he would return to the DRC soon to address other pressing matters. « I’ll head back to the Congo to handle other affairs. I came here just to bring luck for the first match. We’re putting measures in place so you can fully support the team, » he explained.

Regarding the security situation in the east, Tshisekedi expressed cautious optimism. « I believe that in the coming days, all of Congo will be liberated. Our brothers and sisters are celebrating in Goma and Bukavu—soon, we’ll all be together. The enemies infiltrated us, but we’ve learned our lesson. Now, we must build something greater, » he said.

Wrapping up, the president called for national pride beyond football, urging Congolese people to invest in sectors such as basketball, science, and education. « We started with the Leopards, but we’ll go further—football, basketball, science, teaching. Be proud to be Congolese. My mission is to restore that pride, » he affirmed.

The DRC’s historic draw in Houston marked a significant moment not just for the national team but for the entire country, symbolizing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.