On March 17, 2025, members of the Congolese diaspora protested in front of the U.S. Capitol and the DRC Embassy in Washington, DC, condemning persecution based on their appearance, which they claim associates them with Rwandan Tutsis.

The demonstrators demanded peace, protection, and dialogue with all rebel factions, including the M23, accusing President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of using military forces for repression and escalating militarization in the country.

This protest took place ahead of direct negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 scheduled for March 18, 2025, in Luanda, Angola. Meanwhile, the United States recently imposed sanctions on Congolese and Rwandan officials linked to the M23.

Protesters urged the international community to pressure Kinshasa to end the violence and work toward lasting peace in the DRC.

The demonstrators expressed the pain and frustration of the community:

“We are here to represent our people because for years, the Tshisekedi government has been persecuting us. This oppression is based on our appearance and alleged hypocrisy. We came from different states—Scarborough, Ohio—to tell the Kinshasa government, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, that he must stop killing us.”

Accusations Against the Congolese Government

Protesters accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration of using armed forces to repress certain communities, worsening ethnic tensions. They also condemned the use of military technology, including drones, against civilians.

Another protester added:

“Most of the Congolese population is exhausted by Tshisekedi’s actions. He seems to do nothing but manipulate public forces to his advantage. That is why we are here: to say no to the killings, no to the ongoing massacres.”

Appeal to the International Community

The demonstrators urged the international community to take stronger action against the violence in the DRC. They called for increased pressure on the Congolese government to end targeted persecution and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders.

This protest in Washington, DC, highlights the determination of the Congolese diaspora to make their voices heard and advocate for lasting peace and justice in their homeland.

After gathering at the Capitol and the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Washington, D.C., the Congolese diaspora proceeded to the U.S. State Department. There, they formally submitted a memorandum outlining their grievances and demands to American officials. Following this, some of the protest leaders and participants took the time to respond to our questions, providing further insight into their concerns and expectations regarding the situation in the DRC.

JACQUES ROGER