President Félix Tshisekedi has drawn a wave of public mockery after declaring that the Democratic Republic of Congo has “regained its dignity and international respect,” despite ongoing military setbacks, governance scandals, and deepening insecurity across the country.
Speaking at a national address, Tshisekedi said he took over “a country that was utterly drained” and “in desperate situations,” but insisted that under his leadership, the Congo now stands proud. “I can tell you with pride… that the Congo is regaining its dignity and international respect. Yesterday, when no one wanted to meet with us, today we are invited to all the world’s major gatherings,” he said, looking directly into the cameras.
But online, the reaction was swift and unforgiving. Many Congolese ridiculed the remarks as disconnected from reality, pointing to the government’s repeated military failures in the east, where armed groups continue to rout national forces despite massive spending and foreign support.
Critics also highlighted persistent corruption, economic stagnation, and what they describe as chronic incompetence within state institutions—problems widely seen as undermining the very dignity Tshisekedi claims to have restored.
Social media users circulated satirical posts contrasting the president’s triumphant tone with images of displaced civilians, abandoned military positions, and reports of mismanagement within the army.
Commentators accused Tshisekedi of offering “empty victory speeches” while the country struggles to contain crises that have worsened under his administration.
Analysts say the backlash underscores a growing gap between official narratives and public sentiment. While the government insists Congo is gaining international visibility, many citizens argue that respect abroad must be matched by real progress at home—something they say remains far out of reach.
Tshisekedi’s remarks may have been intended to project confidence, but for many Congolese, they have instead become another reminder of a leadership increasingly criticized for promises that do not reflect the country’s realities.