The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, has expressed confidence that his government will soon regain full control of territories held by the AFC/M23 coalition in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. This optimism follows the national football team’s qualification for the FIFA World Cup.
Historic World Cup Qualification
The night of March 31, 2026, was marked by widespread celebrations across the country, as the Congolese national team secured a 1–0 victory over Jamaica, earning a place in the World Cup for the first time in 52 years.
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Celebrations in AFC/M23-Controlled Areas
Residents in areas controlled by AFC/M23, including the city of Goma, also celebrated the victory, staying up through the night in jubilation. Their celebrations underscored a shared national identity with citizens in other parts of the country, despite being under opposing administrations.
Official Celebrations in Kinshasa
On April 5, 2026, during official celebrations held in Kinshasa to honor the national team, President Tshisekedi stated that the joy expressed by people in eastern regions reinforces his belief that he has the necessary momentum to reclaim those territories.
President’s Statement
He declared: “You saw the images—there is joy even in areas controlled by the enemy. We will soon take them back because of this strength, because of this pride.”
Determination Despite Resistance
The Head of State reaffirmed his determination to retake these regions, despite AFC/M23 maintaining that it has no intention of withdrawing. The group has also warned that if attacked, it would “take the fight to the enemy’s strongholds,” a statement suggesting a possible expansion of its operations.
Ongoing Military Challenges
Whenever government forces have attempted to recapture lost territories, AFC/M23 has often overpowered them and seized additional areas. The international community has emphasized that political dialogue remains the most viable path to ending the conflict, though President Tshisekedi has shown little support for this approach.
Possible Resumption of Peace Talks
Reports indicate that peace talks between the Congolese government and AFC/M23 could resume in April 2026. However, they are unlikely to take place in Doha due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and may instead be relocated to Switzerland.
Rising Tensions and Uncertain Outlook
Despite ongoing discussions about peace negotiations, both the Congolese government and AFC/M23 appear to remain on high alert. This suggests that if a political solution is not reached soon, the conflict could escalate further and intensify.
