• Security

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently holding the United Nations Security Council presidency for July, has asserted its strong commitment to permanently integrate a crucial issue into international discussions: the governance of natural resources. This topic is deemed vital for addressing contemporary conflicts.

To advance this objective, Kinshasa convened an “Arria formula” meeting in New York, United States, on Monday, July 13. This session specifically addressed the intricate connections between natural resource exploitation and global peace. The diplomatic push is set to reach its apex on July 22 with a high-level debate, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, under the theme: “The governance of natural resources, a foundation for peace, security, and prosperity.”

Through this significant undertaking, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has initiated an international dialogue to address what it identifies as a “normative gap” in the governance of natural resources within peace and security frameworks. Congolese officials argue that current provisions, such as mineral traceability, corporate due diligence obligations, and mechanisms designed to combat conflict financing, are fragmented and lack cohesive integration. Consequently, Kinshasa advocates for the development of a more unified international framework that can effectively link natural resource governance with conflict prevention and international security.

The DRC is therefore championing a shift in international perspective: natural resources should no longer be viewed solely through an economic or commercial lens, but rather as a strategic imperative for peace and security, deserving a prominent place on the United Nations Security Council agenda. This proactive stance has garnered significant attention from France, whose Permanent Representative to the UN reiterated Paris’s unwavering support for the initiative.

“Natural resources must serve as a catalyst for sustainable and equitable development, benefiting the populations and nations that host them. They require protection from exploitation and diversion for malicious purposes. Looking ahead, France endorses the DRC’s stated objective to enhance the strength and coherence of international efforts aimed at the proper utilization of these resources. We are fully prepared to contribute to the Council’s deliberations that will complement the high-level debate the DRC is organizing next week, with President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi in attendance,” stated Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The DRC is actively pursuing its agenda during its Security Council presidency. This recent meeting on natural resources follows a Council briefing held on July 8, which focused on conflict-related sexual violence and was presided over by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. This diplomatic sequence aligns with the ongoing priorities established by the Congolese presidency. The earlier briefing underscored the devastating human cost of war economies and emphasized the critical need to bolster prevention strategies, protect survivors, combat impunity, and establish effective reparation mechanisms.

These crucial initiatives unfold against a backdrop of complex regional dynamics, including a strategic partnership forged between the DRC and the United States concerning critical minerals, and the Washington Agreement signed by Kinshasa and Kigali. This agreement outlines provisions for de-escalation, the gradual withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and the neutralization of armed groups operating in eastern DRC, particularly the FDLR, which Kigali perceives as a threat to its national security. Despite this diplomatic framework, which received broad commendation upon its signing, the security situation on the ground remains exceptionally precarious. Furthermore, the Doha process, facilitated by the State of Qatar to foster dialogue between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebellion, continues to face an impasse.

The AFC/M23 rebels, whom Kinshasa, the United Nations, and several international partners accuse of receiving support from Rwanda, maintain control over the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, alongside numerous other areas within the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Clashes persist across various regions, and diplomatic endeavors are struggling to yield lasting solutions. This ongoing reality once again highlights the persistent disparity between declared diplomatic progress and the challenging situation witnessed on the ground.