Félix Tshisekedi: "American Sanctions Against Kabila Are Justified"

Kinshasa – President Félix Tshisekedi has firmly backed the United States' decision to impose sanctions on former President Joseph Kabila, declaring them "justified" during a press conference in Kinshasa on May 6, 2026. Radio Okapi reports that Tshisekedi directly linked the sanctions to the persistent security challenges plaguing the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His assertion, "The Americans have only seen what I have seen for several years," suggests a long-standing alignment between his administration's concerns and U.S. foreign policy actions.

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Ces sanctions se justifient. Les Américains n’ont vu que ce que moi j’avais vu depuis plusieurs années.

Addressing potential criticisms regarding sovereignty, Tshisekedi was unequivocal in defending the recent accords signed between the DRC and the U.S. He stressed that these partnerships are not a "giveaway" of national authority nor are they detrimental to the Congolese people. "I would not have accepted any agreement, any mediation, any partnership that would undermine the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo," he insisted. This stance aims to reassure the Congolese public and demonstrate that the government is safeguarding national interests while pursuing vital international cooperation.

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Ils ne sont pas des enfants de cœur. Aujourd’hui, ils sont à la manœuvre contre tous ceux qui nuisent à leurs intérêts.

The President articulated that the core objective of these agreements is to foster peace and security, particularly in the volatile eastern provinces. He highlighted that the accords are designed to silence the guns, dismantle support for armed groups, re-establish state authority, and secure the nation's borders. From a Congolese perspective, this is paramount. While Western media might focus on the geopolitical implications of U.S. sanctions or the specifics of diplomatic agreements, for the DRC, these actions are viewed through the lens of urgently needed stability and the restoration of territorial integrity. Tshisekedi's firm defense of these measures reflects a national priority to overcome decades of conflict and instability, positioning the U.S. as a partner in achieving these critical goals.

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Je n’aurais accepté aucun accord, aucune médiation, aucun partenariat qui porterait atteinte à la souveraineté de la République démocratique du Congo.