- Sécurité
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently holding the prestigious presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July, has boldly declared its intention to permanently embed a critical issue into international discussions: the effective governance of natural resources. Kinshasa views this as fundamental to understanding and resolving contemporary conflicts.
To advance this objective, the DRC orchestrated an “Arria” format meeting in New York, United States, on Monday, July 13. This gathering specifically addressed the intricate links between natural resource exploitation and the pursuit of peace. This significant diplomatic push is set to culminate on July 22 with a high-level debate, to be presided over by President Félix Tshisekedi himself, under the compelling theme: « The governance of natural resources, foundation of peace, security, and prosperity ».
Through this strategic initiative, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has initiated a global dialogue on what it identifies as a critical « normative gap » concerning natural resource governance within peace and security frameworks. Congolese authorities contend that existing mechanisms—such as mineral traceability, corporate due diligence, and measures against conflict financing—are fragmented and lack cohesive integration. Kinshasa is therefore advocating for the development of a more unified international framework, one capable of seamlessly connecting natural resource governance with conflict prevention and international security.
The DRC is championing a paradigm shift in the international approach: natural resources should no longer be viewed solely through an economic or commercial lens. Instead, they must be recognized as a strategic imperative for peace and security, deserving a prominent and permanent place on the United Nations Security Council agenda. This proactive stance has garnered significant attention, notably from France, whose Permanent Representative to the United Nations unequivocally reaffirmed Paris’s strong 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 robust protection against predation and diversion for malicious purposes. Looking ahead, France wholeheartedly supports the DRC’s stated goal of strengthening and harmonizing international efforts aimed at the responsible utilization of these resources. We are fully prepared to contribute to the Council’s work that will accompany the high-level debate, which the DRC will organize next week in the presence of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, » stated Jérôme Bonnafont, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations.
The DRC continues to implement its ambitious agenda during its Security Council presidency. This pivotal meeting on natural resources follows a Council briefing on conflict-related sexual violence, held on July 8 under the presidency of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. This diplomatic sequence aligns perfectly with the priorities set by the Congolese presidency. The earlier briefing underscored the devastating human cost of war economies and emphasized the urgent need to enhance prevention strategies, protect survivors, combat impunity, and establish effective reparation mechanisms.
These initiatives unfold against a complex backdrop, marked by the strategic partnership forged between the DRC and the United States concerning critical minerals, as well as the Washington agreement signed between Kinshasa and Kigali. This agreement outlines measures for de-escalation, the phased withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and the neutralization of armed groups operating in eastern DRC, including the FDLR, which Kigali perceives as a threat to its security. Despite this diplomatic framework, widely lauded 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 be deadlocked.
The AFC/M23 rebels, whom Kinshasa, the United Nations, and numerous international partners accuse of receiving support from Rwanda, maintain control over the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with several other localities across the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Clashes persist in various regions, while diplomatic endeavors struggle to yield lasting results. This ongoing situation once again highlights the persistent disparity between announced diplomatic advancements and the stark reality observed on the ground.
