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RDC: a month at the UN helm to spotlight africa’s priorities globally
For the first time in over three decades, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council, a position it will hold throughout July 2026. This milestone comes just six months after the country began its two-year term as a non-permanent member for 2026–2027, a stint last seen in 1990–1991.
Under the guiding theme “More Peace, More Justice, More Development, and More Multilateralism,” Kinshasa’s leadership of the Council is spearheaded by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay. The DRC is leveraging this high-profile platform to champion Africa’s role in shaping global stability, with a sharp focus on linking collective security to sustainable development.
Key to the agenda is the governance of natural resources. A high-level public debate scheduled for July 22, 2026, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, will spotlight how illegal exploitation of minerals fuels armed conflict. Another critical priority is combating conflict-related sexual violence—a cause championed by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka earlier this month.
While addressing pressing global crises such as those in the Middle East, Sudan, and Haiti, the DRC is also using its presidency to draw international attention to the humanitarian toll of the ongoing aggression in its eastern regions. By maintaining strict neutrality as Council president, the country is strategically highlighting the human impact of the conflict, aiming to secure stronger international sanctions against armed groups and their external backers.
