France pledges full support to DRC’s natural resource diplomacy at UN
- International diplomacy
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently presiding over the United Nations Security Council for July, has prioritized a critical agenda item for international conflict resolution: the governance of natural resources. On Monday, July 13, Kinshasa hosted a high-level Arria-formula meeting in New York to address the intersection between natural resource exploitation and peacebuilding.
This diplomatic initiative will culminate in a landmark high-level debate on July 22, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, focusing on the theme: “Natural Resource Governance: The Foundation for Peace, Security, and Prosperity.” Through this effort, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, aims to expose what it describes as a critical gap in international governance frameworks regarding natural resources in conflict zones.
The DRC government argues that existing mechanisms—such as mineral traceability, corporate due diligence, and conflict financing prevention—remain fragmented and lack cohesion. Kinshasa is advocating for a comprehensive international framework that integrates natural resource governance, conflict prevention, and global security efforts. The goal is to shift the international perspective from viewing resources solely as economic assets to recognizing them as strategic peace and security challenges that deserve a prominent place on the UN Security Council’s agenda.
France aligns with DRC’s vision
France has responded positively to this initiative. Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized the need to protect natural resources from exploitation and diversion for malicious purposes. He stated:
“Natural resources must serve as engines for sustainable and equitable development for the communities and countries that possess them. They must be safeguarded against predation and misuse. France fully supports the DRC’s objective of strengthening and harmonizing international initiatives to ensure the responsible use of these resources. We are committed to contributing to the Security Council’s work that will accompany the high-level debate next week, in the presence of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.”
Diplomatic momentum amid persistent security challenges
This diplomatic push follows a recent UN Security Council briefing on conflict-related sexual violence, held on July 8 under the leadership of DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. The session highlighted the human cost of war economies and underscored the urgency of prevention, survivor protection, combating impunity, and establishing reparations mechanisms.
The DRC’s efforts coincide with a strengthened strategic partnership with the United States on critical minerals and the Washington Agreement signed with Rwanda. This accord includes measures for de-escalation, the gradual withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and the neutralization of armed groups operating in eastern DRC—particularly the FDLR, which Kigali views as a security threat. Despite this diplomatic progress, the security situation remains fragile. The Doha peace process, mediated by Qatar to facilitate dialogue between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebellion, continues to stall.
The AFC/M23 rebels, accused by Kinshasa, the UN, and international partners of receiving Rwandan support, maintain control over key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, as well as other areas in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Ongoing clashes persist, while diplomatic efforts struggle to yield lasting solutions. This disparity between announced diplomatic advances and ground realities reignites debates about the persistent disconnect between policy and implementation.
