A night of football celebration quickly turned into a political and military declaration as Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi assured supporters that government forces would eventually regain control of Goma and Bukavu from M23 rebels.
Speaking to members of the Congolese diaspora in Houston after DR Congo’s historic World Cup draw against Portugal, Tshisekedi expressed confidence that the battlefield situation was moving in Kinshasa’s favor.
“The Congolese army is crushing the enemy right now,” he said.
He added, “We will soon recapture Goma and Bukavu,” before emphasizing that, “It is a matter of time because we are progressing well on the battlefield.”
His remarks came on the same day that DR Congo celebrated one of the most memorable moments in its football history. The Leopards secured a 1-1 draw against Portugal at the FIFA World Cup and scored their first-ever goal in the tournament.
Despite entering the match as clear favorites, Portugal needed only six minutes to take the lead through João Neves after an assist from Pedro Neto.
DR Congo initially struggled to create opportunities, but striker Yoane Wissa nearly responded in the 11th minute. The breakthrough eventually came in first-half stoppage time when Arthur Masuaku delivered a corner kick that Wissa headed into the net.
The goal instantly entered the history books as DR Congo’s first World Cup goal and helped the team earn its first-ever World Cup point after failing to score during its previous appearance in 1974.
Portugal pushed aggressively in the second half. João Cancelo found the net in the 55th minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Cristiano Ronaldo also came close on multiple occasions but failed to convert his chances.
While football dominated headlines, Tshisekedi used the occasion to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 continues to control the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu.
The president also launched a fierce attack on former President Joseph Kabila, accusing foreign actors of influencing Congo’s political transition after the assassination of Laurent-Désiré Kabila.
“The enemies had entered, we were distracted. They even removed a son of the country, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, and they placed their dog, Joseph Kabila, whom they could train as they pleased,” Tshisekedi told supporters.
The comments are expected to intensify political tensions between the current administration and Kabila’s allies, who have repeatedly been accused by Kinshasa of undermining state institutions.
Meanwhile, Burundi reaffirmed its support for DR Congo. President Évariste Ndayishimiye congratulated the Leopards on their World Cup performance, describing the result as a symbol of unity, pride, and hope.
He also assured Tshisekedi of Burundi’s continued friendship and unwavering support, highlighting the close political and military partnership between the two neighboring countries.
As fighting continues in eastern Congo and M23 maintains its grip on key territories, Tshisekedi’s pledge to retake Goma and Bukavu has added a new dimension to an already volatile conflict. For many Congolese, however, the historic result against Portugal offered a rare moment of national pride amid ongoing uncertainty.
