The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has taken the helm of the United Nations Security Council for the entire month of July 2026—a historic milestone that comes just six months after its election as a non-permanent member for the 2026-2027 term. The DRC has not held such a prominent diplomatic role in over three decades, with its last participation dating back to 1990-1991.

Under the guiding principle of “More Peace, More Justice, More Development, and More Multilateralism”, Kinshasa’s presidency is being led on a daily basis by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay. The DRC is leveraging this international platform to connect collective security with sustainable development, amplifying Africa’s voice on the global stage.

The Congolese agenda prioritizes governance of natural resources, with a high-level public debate scheduled for July 22, 2026, led by President Félix Tshisekedi. This session aims to highlight how the illicit exploitation of minerals fuels armed conflict. Another key focus is combating sexual violence in conflict zones, a cause championed earlier this month by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.

While managing ongoing global crises such as the Middle East, Sudan, and Haiti, the DRC is using its platform to raise international awareness about the war in its eastern region. Without compromising its neutral role as Council president, Kinshasa is spotlighting the humanitarian toll of the aggression it faces, pushing for stricter sanctions against armed groups and their external backers.