KINSHASA, DRC — The Democratic Republic of the the Congo asked the United Nations on Tuesday to open an independent inquiry into what President Félix Tshisekedi called a “silent genocide,” as France announced it will host an emergency conference on the DRC’s crisis next month.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tshisekedi told the U.N. General Assembly that “all the signs of planned extermination are present … This is not just a conflict, it is a silent genocide that has been affecting the Congolese people for more than 30 years.”
He urged creation of an international commission of inquiry and asked for U.N. sanctions against those accused of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in the country’s long-conflicted east.

French President Emmanuel Macron responded by pledging to host an emergency conference in October to address the humanitarian and security crisis in the DRC. 
“In the Great Lakes region, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected,” Macron said.

A recent U.N. report flagged possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by all sides of the conflict.

Conflict Escalates in Eastern DRC

Violence in eastern DRC has simmered for decades.
In recent years, conflict surged again with the return of the rebel group M23.
The rebels, accused of being backed by Rwanda, have captured cities such as Goma and Bukavu. 
Thousands have died, and many more have been displaced by clashes between M23, government forces, and local militias.

Observers warn that another offensive may soon target Uvira, a city of about 500,000 in South Kivu, currently held by the Congolese army and allied militias.

Reactions and Calls for Action

Tshisekedi argued that decades of impunity have enabled repeated cycles of violence. He said the proposed inquiry would help break those cycles.

Macron’s announcement drew mixed reactions among diplomats and observers. Some see it as a needed step toward international pressure and aid mobilization. Others warn that conferences without strong follow-up may fall short.

One concern is how quickly an inquiry can begin, and whether it will have genuine access and power. International commissions often face challenges when states resist.

DRC’s government is expected to veto or block inquiry attempts if it sees them as infringing on sovereignty. But Tshisekedi framed his request as not blaming the country but fighting external and internal forces he says are causing mass atrocities.

France has also pushed previously for a U.N. resolution naming Rwanda as a backer of M23 rebels.

If the U.N. approves a commission of inquiry, it could gather testimony, collect evidence, and recommend actions including sanctions or referrals to international courts.

The October emergency conference in France may set the agenda for humanitarian aid, peacekeeping, and diplomatic pressure.

The success of these steps depends on buy-in from U.N. member states and effective coordination with regional actors.

For millions in eastern DRC, the stakes are high. If action is delayed, further suffering, displacement, and loss of life may follow.

The international community now faces a test: moving from speeches and pledges to accountability, protection, and lasting peace.

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