Addressing the multifaceted challenges impacting the African continent, Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, issued a call on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for intensified collective action and a more resolute defense of Africa’s strategic interests on the global stage.

Speaking to the press in Kinshasa following discussions with his Burundian counterpart, Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union, the Congolese head of state emphasized the critical need for African nations to demonstrate greater coherence and heightened solidarity in confronting contemporary issues.

In this spirit, President Tshisekedi announced his invitation to President Ndayishimiye to participate in a high-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council. President Tshisekedi himself is set to preside over this session, scheduled to take place in the United States of America in July 2027, as part of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidency of this vital UN body.

“Africa is navigating a pivotal period; our continent must contend with intricate security challenges, persistent humanitarian crises, the ramifications of climate change, global economic pressures, and the immense aspirations of our youth. In the face of these hurdles, Africa must articulate its positions with greater coherence, act with enhanced solidarity, and steadfastly champion its strategic interests. It is in this context that I extended an invitation to my brother, President Évariste Ndayishimiye, to join the high-level meeting I will soon preside over at the United Nations Security Council, during the DRC’s presidency of the Council in July. This important discussion will focus on the intricate connections between natural resources, peace, security, and sustainable development,” declared Félix Tshisekedi, President of the DRC.

The upcoming session will delve into the crucial links between natural resources, peace, security, and sustainable development. President Tshisekedi views this theme as profoundly significant for the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Great Lakes region, and indeed, the entire African continent. He further expressed his conviction that the participation of his Burundian counterpart will offer substantial contributions to the deliberations during this high-level gathering.

“This subject is fundamental for our nation, for the Great Lakes region, and for the whole of the African continent. Our natural resources must cease to be a source of covetousness, predation, instability, and conflict. Instead, they must transform into a catalyst for peace, development, economic sovereignty, industrial advancement, and shared prosperity. I am confident that President Ndayishimiye’s insights, in his dual capacity as President of the Republic of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, will significantly enrich this crucial discourse for the betterment of our continent,” added Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council in July 2026, a role undertaken through the monthly rotation among the body’s members. The DRC will hold this presidency after Colombia in June and before Denmark in August, adhering to the alphabetical order of member states in English. These three nations are currently serving on the Security Council, with the former two as non-permanent members elected for the 2026-2027 term.

Since January 2026, the flags of five new non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council for the 2026-2027 term have been flying at the UN Headquarters in New York. These nations include Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia, and Liberia. A ceremonial event, held on Thursday, January 2, 2026, marked their official entry into office, signifying the commencement of their two-year mandate within the principal organ responsible for critical decisions regarding peacekeeping operations, sanctions regimes, and the strategic direction of responses to international crises.