The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently holding the presidency of the United Nations Security Council for July, has made it its mission to elevate a critical yet often overlooked issue to the forefront of international discussions: the governance of natural resources. Viewing these resources as both a source of conflict and a potential catalyst for peace, Kinshasa has launched a bold diplomatic initiative.

On Monday, July 13, the DRC organized a high-level Arria-formula meeting in New York, focusing on the intricate relationship between natural resource exploitation and peacebuilding. This diplomatic push will culminate on July 22 with a Security Council debate, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, under the theme: “Natural Resource Governance: The Foundation for Peace, Security, and Prosperity.”

Addressing a critical gap in international governance

The Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has identified a significant “normative gap” in how the international community manages natural resources in conflict and post-conflict settings. Current frameworks, including mineral traceability, corporate due diligence, and conflict financing prevention mechanisms, remain fragmented and lack coherence. The DRC is advocating for a more integrated international approach that aligns natural resource governance with conflict prevention and global security.

This push marks a strategic shift: natural resources should no longer be viewed solely through an economic lens but recognized as critical to peace and security—worthy of a permanent place on the UN Security Council’s agenda.

France voices strong support

The French Republic has responded positively to this initiative. Speaking at the UN, Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized the shared vision between Paris and Kinshasa:

“Natural resources must serve as a lever for sustainable and equitable development for the populations and countries that possess them. They must be protected from predators and from being diverted for malicious purposes. France fully supports the DRC’s objective to strengthen and harmonize international initiatives aimed at ensuring responsible use of these resources. We are fully prepared to contribute to the Security Council’s work that will accompany the high-level debate organized by the DRC next week, in the presence of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi,” he stated.

A diplomatic agenda under the DRC’s Security Council presidency

This initiative is part of a broader diplomatic agenda set by the DRC during its presidency. It follows a July 8 briefing on conflict-related sexual violence, chaired by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, which highlighted the human cost of war economies and underscored the need for prevention, survivor protection, accountability, and reparations.

These efforts unfold against a backdrop of strategic partnerships, including the DRC’s collaboration with the United States on critical minerals and the Washington Agreement with Rwanda. The latter seeks to de-escalate tensions, withdraw Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and neutralize armed groups like the FDLR, which Kigali views as a security threat. Despite this diplomatic progress, the security situation remains precarious. The Doha process, brokered by Qatar to facilitate dialogue between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebel group, remains stalled.

The AFC/M23 rebels, accused by the DRC, the UN, and international partners of receiving Rwandan support, continue to control key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, as well as areas in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Ongoing clashes persist, and diplomatic efforts have yet to yield lasting solutions. This persistent disconnect between diplomatic announcements and ground realities continues to fuel debate about the effectiveness of international responses.