The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the entire month of July 2026. This landmark role comes just six months after the country began its two-year term as a non-permanent member for 2026-2027. The DRC has not held such a prominent diplomatic position in over three decades, with its last participation dating back to 1990-1991.
Under the guiding principle of “More Peace, More Justice, More Development, and More Multilateralism,” this presidency is being led on a daily basis by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay. Kinshasa is leveraging this international platform to connect collective security with sustainable development. Congolese authorities aim to amplify Africa’s voice on global issues while addressing critical regional challenges.
The top priority on Congo’s agenda is the governance of natural resources, with a high-level public debate scheduled for July 22, 2026, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi. This event will highlight how the illicit exploitation of minerals fuels armed conflicts. Another key focus is combating sexual violence in conflict zones, a cause championed earlier this month by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.
While managing ongoing global crises such as those in the Middle East, Sudan, and Haiti, the DRC is using its visibility to draw international attention to the war raging in its eastern region. Without compromising its neutral role as Council president, Kinshasa is exposing the humanitarian toll of the aggression it faces. The objective is to secure stronger international sanctions against armed groups and their external backers.