During France’s National Day celebrations, Ambassador Rémi Maréchaux emphasized France’s unwavering commitment to peace in eastern DRC while highlighting the country’s active role at the United Nations Security Council.

Speaking at his residence in Kinshasa on July 14, 2026, the French envoy underscored that the July 14 celebrations honor the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity from the 1789 French Revolution, not just national independence or a political figure.

Addressing eastern DRC’s security challenges, Maréchaux reaffirmed France’s dedication to finding sustainable solutions through its UN Security Council membership. He cited recent resolutions passed under French leadership, including Resolution 2773, which calls for an immediate end to hostilities by M23 rebels, withdrawal of Rwandan forces, and dismantling of illegal parallel administrations in occupied territories.

« The Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant challenges today. First, a war that has persisted for too long in the eastern region. France has actively engaged at the UN Security Council to secure critical resolutions. Resolution 2773, adopted unanimously, establishes key principles for conflict resolution: M23 must cease hostilities, withdraw its troops, and dismantle illegitimate parallel administrations. Rwanda’s army must stop supporting M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory,» the French diplomat stated.

The ambassador also referenced Resolution 2808, which extended MONUSCO’s mandate by one year, and Resolution 2825 (2026), which renewed sanctions against armed groups until July 1, 2027, while extending the mandate of the Group of Experts monitoring sanctions implementation.

« Two additional resolutions enable MONUSCO to support implementation of the Washington Agreement and renew sanctions against armed groups, along with the Group of Experts’ mandate to document the situation’s realities. France commends and supports mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and the African Union. As President Tshisekedi emphasized on June 30, diplomatic choices reflect strength, not weakness. Negotiated solutions must uphold Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as non-negotiable principles,» Maréchaux emphasized.

Beyond multilateral engagements, the ambassador highlighted strengthened bilateral cooperation between France and DRC, particularly in security. He noted France’s recent military cooperation efforts, including the regeneration of a Jungle Brigade battalion in Kisangani in March 2026, with plans for a second battalion in October.

« Our multilateral commitment complements bilateral efforts to strengthen 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,» the diplomat explained.

Maréchaux also celebrated DRC’s growing international influence, noting its current UN Security Council presidency, membership in the UN Human Rights Council, and leadership in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. The country’s enhanced engagement in La Francophonie, including the candidacy of Juliana Lumumba for Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, further demonstrates its rising profile.

« These developments represent good news not only for DRC and its global standing but for the world at large. In an era where international relations increasingly reflect power imbalances, France advocates for inclusive multilateralism that gives Africa greater voice in global governance. DRC’s return to the international stage comes at a crucial moment when, despite ongoing crises, the country’s potential and strategic role in energy transition and climate action is being recognized,» Maréchaux stated.

The French position comes amid diplomatic progress, including the Washington Peace Agreement mediated by the United States between DRC and Rwanda. This accord calls for de-escalation measures, gradual withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and neutralization of armed groups in eastern DRC, including FDLR, which Kigali considers a security threat. However, despite this progress, the security situation in eastern DRC remains precarious.

Meanwhile, the Doha Process, facilitated by Qatar to foster dialogue between the Congolese government and the M23 rebellion, has yet to yield significant breakthroughs. On the ground, M23 rebels, accused by Kinshasa, the UN, and international partners of receiving Rwandan support, maintain control over cities including Goma and Bukavu, as well as numerous localities in North and South Kivu provinces. Fighting continues in several areas, while diplomatic initiatives struggle to produce tangible results.

Clément Muamba