Currently holding the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has clearly articulated its objective to permanently integrate a critical issue into global discussions: the governance of natural resources. This matter is deemed fundamental to addressing contemporary conflicts effectively.
To advance this agenda, Kinshasa hosted an “Arria formula” meeting in New York, United States, on Monday, July 13. This gathering specifically explored the intricate connections between natural resource exploitation and the pursuit of peace. The diplomatic effort is set to reach its peak on July 22 with a high-level debate, presided over by President Félix Tshisekedi, under the compelling theme: “The governance of natural resources, a foundation for peace, security, and prosperity.”
Through this proactive approach, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has initiated an international dialogue addressing 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 for combating conflict financing, remain fragmented and lack cohesion. Consequently, Kinshasa is advocating for the development of a more integrated international framework, designed to effectively link natural resource governance with conflict prevention and global security.
The DRC is 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, warranting a prominent and permanent place on the United Nations Security Council’s agenda. This significant endeavor has garnered the attention of France, whose Permanent Representative to the United Nations unequivocally reiterated Paris’s endorsement of the initiative.
“Natural resources must serve as a catalyst for sustainable and equitable development, benefiting both the populations and the nations that host them. They require protection from exploitation and diversion for nefarious purposes. Looking ahead, France supports the DRC’s stated objective to enhance and harmonize international efforts aimed at the responsible utilization of these resources. We are fully prepared to contribute to the Council’s proceedings that will complement the high-level debate, which the DRC will host 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 advancing its planned activities 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 leadership of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. This diplomatic sequence aligns seamlessly with the priorities established by the Congolese presidency. The earlier briefing specifically underscored the devastating human toll exacted by war economies, emphasizing the urgent need to bolster prevention strategies, safeguard survivors, combat impunity, and establish effective reparation mechanisms.
These diplomatic endeavors unfold against a backdrop defined by a strategic partnership between the DRC and the United States concerning critical minerals, alongside the Washington agreement inked between Kinshasa and Kigali. This accord outlines provisions for de-escalation, the gradual withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and the neutralization of armed groups active in eastern DRC, particularly the FDLR, which Kigali perceives as a security threat. Despite this diplomatic framework, widely lauded upon its signing, the security landscape remains exceptionally precarious. On the ground, 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 various international partners accuse of receiving Rwandan backing, maintain control over the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with numerous other areas across the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Clashes persist in multiple regions, while diplomatic initiatives struggle to yield lasting outcomes. This ongoing situation once again highlights the persistent disparity between proclaimed diplomatic progress and the tangible realities on the ground.
