Félix Tshisekedi in a SADC-EAC videoconference
  • Politics

Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi will not attend the high-level United Nations Security Council debate scheduled for July 22 in New York, as previously announced. The decision follows evolving security and political dynamics in the country that require his continued presence in Kinshasa.

This unexpected change comes despite Tshisekedi’s planned address to the UN body on the critical topic of natural resource governance as a foundation for peace, security, and prosperity. The announcement follows a July 13 Arria-formula meeting in New York led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, which set the stage for the upcoming session.

While authorities have not detailed the specific security concerns prompting this reversal, the move underscores the delicate balance Congo’s leadership must maintain between international commitments and domestic stability. Tshisekedi’s absence will be noted as the nation’s Security Council presidency concludes its term this month.