"President Felix Tshisekedi and First Lady Denise Nyakeru delivered a joint message of hope and unity to the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Thursday, marking Christmas and the approach of the New Year. Addressing the nation from Kinshasa, President Tshisekedi extended wishes of peace and prosperity to Congolese families at home and abroad. “To all Congolese families, wherever you may be, we send our most sincere wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity for the coming year,” he said. The president paid particular tribute to communities in eastern DRC, where years of conflict have left millions living in insecurity, as well as to members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and allied Wazalendo fighters who have died defending the country’s territorial integrity. “The nation carries you in its heart,” Tshisekedi said. Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, he acknowledged the hardship faced by the country while highlighting the resilience and perseverance of the nation. “The year has been difficult, it is true, but we have held firm. Congo has remained standing,” he said. “To celebrate despite everything is to tell the world, and first to ourselves, that our people are tested, but never resigned.” First Lady Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Congolese citizens to use the holiday period to show compassion and solidarity, particularly towards displaced people, grieving families and mothers affected by the ongoing violence. The presidential couple concluded their address with a call for national cohesion, describing unity and social solidarity as “the strongest response to adversity.” The message comes as continued fighting between government forces and the M23 armed group has displaced millions of people and destabilised large parts of eastern DRC, with the conflict intensifying this year following the capture of the major cities of Goma and Bukavu."