President Tshisekedi made the remarks in Cairo, Egypt, during his recent visit there. He was speaking to members of the Congolese community in Egypt, including students, businesspeople, workers, and soldiers undergoing training.

He said he was ready to do whatever it takes to bring peace to Congo, even if it meant becoming a soldier himself. He stated: “In order to protect my people, I am ready to do everything even to become a soldier.”

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He added: “I did not become president to start wars. Our people need peace and development. I do not stand for this politics of war.”

Following these comments, many Congolese criticized their president, accusing him of forgetting that, although he is not a career soldier, he is the commander-in-chief of all the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

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The Congolese presidency later clarified that Tshisekedi’s remarks were meant to express his determination to defend the sovereignty of his country and to promote peace and security in the region.

Tshisekedi reiterated that he is willing to do whatever it takes to bring peace to his people, even as he continues to face the loss of vast areas in eastern DRC to the M23 rebel group.