France pledges support for RDC’s UN diplomatic push on natural resource governance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC), currently holding the United Nations Security Council presidency for July, has clearly articulated its objective to firmly establish a critical issue in international discourse: the governance of natural resources, which it views as fundamental to contemporary conflicts.

To advance this vision, Kinshasa convened an “Arria formula” meeting in New York, United States, on July 13. This session specifically addressed the intricate connections between natural resource exploitation and the pursuit of peace. This significant diplomatic undertaking is set to conclude on July 22 with a high-level debate, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, under the theme: “The governance of natural resources, foundation of peace, security, and prosperity.”

Through this proactive approach, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has initiated a global discussion on what it identifies as a “normative gap” concerning natural resource governance within peace and security frameworks. Congolese officials emphasize that current mechanisms, such as mineral traceability, corporate due diligence, and strategies to combat conflict financing, appear fragmented and lack cohesive integration. Consequently, Kinshasa advocates for the development of a more unified international framework that can effectively link natural resource governance, conflict prevention, and international security.

The RDC is therefore championing a shift in the international perspective: natural resources should transcend purely economic or commercial considerations to be recognized as a strategic imperative for peace and security, deserving full inclusion on the United Nations Security Council’s agenda. This significant diplomatic move has garnered attention from France, whose Permanent Representative to the United Nations confirmed Paris’s steadfast support for the initiative.

Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, articulated France’s position, emphasizing that natural resources ought to serve as a catalyst for sustainable and equitable development, benefiting both the populations and the nations where they are found. He stressed the importance of safeguarding these resources from exploitation and diversion for nefarious purposes. Looking ahead, France stands behind the RDC’s objective to enhance and unify international efforts aimed at ensuring the responsible utilization of these resources. He further affirmed France’s complete readiness to contribute to the Council’s proceedings that will support the upcoming high-level debate, which President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi is scheduled to host next week.

The RDC continues to execute the agenda planned for its Security Council presidency. This recent meeting on natural resources follows a Council briefing held on July 8, presided over by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, which focused on conflict-related sexual violence. This series of diplomatic engagements aligns with the priorities established by the Congolese presidency. The earlier briefing underscored the devastating human cost of war economies and highlighted the urgent need to strengthen prevention, protect survivors, combat impunity, and establish effective reparation mechanisms.

These initiatives unfold amidst a complex backdrop, characterized by a strategic partnership forged between the RDC and the United States concerning critical minerals, alongside the Washington agreement inked by Kinshasa and Kigali. This agreement outlines provisions for de-escalation, the gradual withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and the neutralization of armed factions active in eastern RDC, including the FDLR, which Kigali perceives as a security threat. Despite the diplomatic framework, which received widespread commendation upon its signing, the security situation remains highly precarious. On the ground, the Doha process, facilitated by the State of Qatar to foster dialogue between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebellion, is also stalled.

The AFC/M23 rebels, whom Kinshasa, the United Nations, and several international partners accuse of receiving support from Rwanda, maintain control over the cities of Goma and Bukavu, along with numerous other areas across North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Clashes persist in various regions, and diplomatic endeavors struggle to achieve lasting outcomes. This ongoing reality reignites the discussion concerning the persistent disparity between proclaimed diplomatic breakthroughs and the actual conditions on the ground.