President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) urged Congolese living in the United States to remain united and vigilant against divisive forces during a meeting with supporters in Houston. The occasion followed the DRC national football team’s historic 1-1 draw against Portugal in the FIFA World Cup, a result that marked the country’s first-ever point in the tournament.

Addressing the crowd, President Tshisekedi emphasized the need for national cohesion in the face of ongoing security challenges in eastern DRC. He warned of external actors seeking to exploit regional tensions, urging citizens to reject attempts at manipulation and betrayal. “Their accomplices have gone mad. Stay united. Do not let them deceive you through regionalism. Refuse to betray your nation. There are still sorcerers among us. We thought they were only in Rwanda, but they’ve infiltrated our own ranks,” he declared.

The president also praised the DRC’s national football team, the Léopards, for their performance and the pride they brought to the country. “The Léopards have made us proud. I’ve asked FIFA if we advance from the group stage, additional tickets will be made available for Congolese supporters here. Do not worry—we are providing resources to our ambassador,” he stated.

Tshisekedi framed the team’s achievement as a broader symbol of national resilience. “Today, everyone who feared Cristiano Ronaldo saw how we played—a nation at war like ours. Let us stand tall as our national anthem commands. Show the world the dignity of being Congolese,” he said.

The president announced his imminent return to the DRC, returning from the U.S. to attend to urgent national matters. “I will return to the Congo to address other pressing affairs. I came here to bring luck for our first match. We are ensuring you can follow the team closely,” he explained.

On the security front, Tshisekedi expressed optimism about progress in eastern DRC, despite ongoing conflicts. “I am confident that in the coming months, all of Congo will be liberated. Our brothers and sisters are celebrating in Goma and Bukavu—we will reunite. The enemies infiltrated us, but we have learned our lesson. Now, it’s time to build something greater,” he asserted.

In a speech blending football, politics, and national identity, the president called on Congolese to take pride in their heritage and invest in sectors like sports, education, and science. “We started with the Léopards, and we will extend this momentum to football, basketball, science, and education. Be proud of being Congolese. My mission is to restore that pride,” he affirmed.