On the occasion of French National Day, France’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rémi Maréchaux, delivered a keynote address on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, emphasizing France’s unwavering commitment to peace in Eastern DRC, strengthened Franco-Congolese cooperation, and the promotion of multilateralism.

Opening his speech at his residence in front of a distinguished audience, the French diplomat underscored that July 14 is not merely a celebration of France’s independence or President Emmanuel Macron. Rather, it commemorates the 1789 Revolution and the nation’s enduring values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Addressing the security situation in Eastern DRC, Maréchaux reaffirmed France’s commitment within the United Nations Security Council to achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict. He highlighted France’s active role in shaping key resolutions aimed at restoring peace.

« The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces immense challenges today. Chief among them is a war that has persisted too long in the eastern regions. France has been at the forefront in the UN Security Council, working to secure the adoption of critical resolutions. Resolution 2773, unanimously adopted, lays out the framework for resolving the conflict. The M23 must cease hostilities, withdraw its forces, and dismantle illegitimate parallel administrations. The Rwandan army must halt its support for the M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory, » declared the French ambassador.

He also referenced Resolutions 2808, extending MONUSCO’s mandate by one year, and 2825 (2026), which extends the sanctions regime against the DRC until July 1, 2027. The latter also renews the mandate of the Group of Experts tasked with monitoring sanctions implementation.

« Two additional resolutions empower MONUSCO to support the implementation of the Washington Agreement and renew the sanctions regime against armed groups, alongside the mandate of the Group of Experts, which documents the ground realities. France commends and supports the mediation efforts currently underway by the United States, Qatar, and the African Union. As President Tshisekedi emphasized on June 30, diplomacy is not a sign of weakness. A negotiated solution rests on non-negotiable principles: the sovereignty of the DRC and respect for its territorial integrity, » stated the French ambassador.

Beyond multilateral frameworks, Maréchaux highlighted the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Paris and Kinshasa, particularly in security.

« Our multilateral engagement builds upon bilateral cooperation aimed at strengthening state capacity and authority through police and military cooperation. I traveled to Kisangani in March to oversee the regeneration of a Jungle Brigade battalion by French instructors. A second battalion will be regenerated this October, » he noted.

« Not only is the DRC making a historic return to the FIFA World Cup stage, but for the first time in 35 years, it is also back at the United Nations Security Council, where it currently holds the presidency. The DRC is also a member of the UN Human Rights Council and chairs the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. Additionally, it is enhancing its engagement within La Francophonie with the candidacy of Ms. Juliana Lumumba for Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, » he added.

Maréchaux described these developments as positive news not just for the DRC but for the world. In an era where international relations are increasingly defined by power dynamics, he championed multilateralism as the most appropriate response.

« Amid the current brutalization of international relations, France firmly believes that the answer lies in inclusive multilateralism, one that integrates Africa more fully into global governance. The DRC’s return to the international stage comes at a time when, despite ongoing crises, the country is capturing renewed global attention. This reflects a growing recognition of its potential and strategic role in the energy transition and the fight against climate change, » he asserted.

France’s stance comes amid a complex diplomatic landscape, marked by the signing of the Washington Peace Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda, mediated by the United States. The agreement outlines measures for de-escalation, the gradual withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and the neutralization of armed groups operating in Eastern DRC, including the FDLR, which Kigali views as a security threat. While the agreement was widely welcomed, the security situation on the ground remains dire.

Meanwhile, the Doha process, facilitated by Qatar, aimed at fostering dialogue between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebellion, has yet to yield significant progress. On the ground, the AFC/M23 rebels, accused by Kinshasa, the UN, and several international partners of receiving Rwandan support, continue to control key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, as well as numerous other localities in North Kivu and South Kivu. Fighting persists in several areas, while diplomatic initiatives struggle to translate into tangible outcomes on the ground.

Clément Muamba