DRC seeks UN inquiry into ‘genocide’ as France pledges emergency conference!
Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa
Kinshasa / Paris, 24 September 2025 — The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has urged United Nations member states to recognise what he called a “silent genocide” unfolding in parts of the country and asked the UN to open an international inquiry. The appeal came as France announced it will host an emergency conference in October to mobilise humanitarian and political support for the crisis-hit nation.
Key developments
Tshisekedi’s appeal: Addressing international audiences this week, President Tshisekedi urged UN member states and international organisations to acknowledge the scale of atrocities and back the creation of an independent fact-finding and investigative mechanism to document crimes in eastern DRC.
France’s response: French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed France will host an emergency conference in October focused on the humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and broader Great Lakes regional stability. Paris framed the meeting as an attempt to step up pressure for political solutions and aid delivery.
What Tshisekedi says and wants
Tshisekedi has repeatedly called attention to mass killings, forced displacement and other grave abuses in eastern DRC, attributing much of the recent insecurity to rebel groups — particularly the M23 — and the alleged support they receive from neighbouring forces. He has asked for international recognition of a “silent genocide” and for mechanisms that would enable investigations, accountability and protection measures for civilians.
International context and reactions
France — which in recent months has been vocal about the DRC security crisis and has proposed UN action targeting external interference — says the October conference will bring partners together to co-ordinate humanitarian assistance and diplomatic pressure. Earlier in 2025 France proposed UN measures aimed at increasing pressure on Rwanda over alleged backing for M23, a move that has heightened diplomatic tensions in the region.
Humanitarian toll
The eastern provinces of the DRC have seen fresh waves of fighting, mass displacements and reports of civilian massacres during 2025. International agencies have warned of an escalating humanitarian emergency requiring urgent funding and access for relief operations. Both Tshisekedi’s calls for an inquiry and France’s conference are being presented by Kinshasa as necessary steps to open new channels for aid and accountability.
What to watch next
Whether the UN General Assembly or Security Council will back the creation of an independent investigative mechanism or a formal inquiry.
Outcomes of the French-hosted emergency conference in October — in particular pledges of humanitarian funding, diplomatic initiatives, and any coordinated measures aimed at reducing external military support to armed groups.
Background: The eastern DRC has been afflicted for decades by insurgencies and inter-communal violence. The most recent flare-ups in 2025 involved M23 advances, allegations of foreign backing, and significant civilian harm — issues that have repeatedly drawn calls for international investigation and intervention.
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