The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently serving as President of the UN Security Council for July, has placed the governance of natural resources at the heart of its diplomatic agenda. On Monday, July 13, Kinshasa hosted a critical Arria-formula meeting in New York, examining the nexus between natural resource exploitation and peace. This diplomatic initiative will culminate on July 22 with a high-level debate chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, focusing on the theme: ‘Natural resource governance as the foundation for peace, security, and prosperity.’

Through this initiative, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, is calling for a global rethink of how the international community addresses resource governance—particularly in conflict-affected regions. Authorities argue that existing frameworks—such as mineral traceability, corporate due diligence, and conflict financing prevention—remain fragmented and lack cohesion. Kinshasa is advocating for a unified international framework that connects natural resource governance with conflict prevention and global security.

‘Natural resources must serve as a catalyst for sustainable and equitable development, benefiting the populations and countries that host them. They must be shielded from exploitation by predatory actors and prevented from being diverted for malicious purposes,’ stated Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations. ‘France fully endorses the DRC’s objective to strengthen and harmonize international initiatives aimed at ensuring the responsible use of these resources. We are fully prepared to contribute to the Security Council’s efforts in support of the high-level debate the DRC will host next week, in the presence of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.’

The DRC’s diplomatic push follows a Security Council briefing on conflict-related sexual violence, held on July 8 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. This briefing highlighted the human cost of wartime economies and the urgent need to enhance prevention, survivor protection, accountability, and reparations. These efforts align with the priorities set by the Congolese presidency of the Security Council.

The DRC’s diplomatic momentum coincides with a strategic partnership with the United States on critical minerals and a recently signed agreement with Rwanda. This agreement aims to de-escalate tensions, ensure the progressive withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and neutralize armed groups operating in eastern DRC—including the FDLR, which Kigali considers a security threat. Despite international praise for the agreement, the security situation remains precarious. On the ground, the Doha-led dialogue between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebellion remains stalled, with the group continuing to control key cities like Goma and Bukavu, as well as several localities in North and South Kivu. Ongoing clashes persist, underscoring the persistent gap between diplomatic progress and ground realities.