French national day: France reaffirms backing for peace efforts in DRC
French national day: France reaffirms backing for peace efforts in DRC
- Politics
During celebrations of the French National Day, Ambassador Rémi Maréchaux, France’s envoy to the Democratic Republic of Congo, delivered a keynote address emphasizing peace in eastern DRC, strengthened France-DRC cooperation, and the importance of multilateralism.
In his opening remarks to guests and officials gathered at his residence, the French diplomat highlighted the historical significance of July 14. Contrary to common misconceptions, he clarified that France does not celebrate its independence or President Emmanuel Macron’s tenure on this day. Instead, it commemorates the 1789 French Revolution and its core values: liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Addressing eastern DRC’s security challenges, Maréchaux reaffirmed France’s commitment within the UN Security Council to achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict. He underscored France’s initiatives at the Security Council to advance peace efforts.
« The Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant challenges today, foremost among them a prolonged war in the eastern regions. France has been actively engaged at the UN Security Council, contributing to the adoption of critical resolutions. Resolution 2773, unanimously adopted, establishes the framework for resolving the conflict: the M23 must cease hostilities, withdraw its forces, and dismantle illegitimate parallel administrations. Rwanda’s army must halt its support for M23 and withdraw from Congolese territory, » declared the French ambassador.
He also referenced Resolutions 2808, extending MONUSCO’s mandate by one year, and 2825 (2026), which extends the sanctions regime against the DRC until July 1, 2027. The latter also renews the mandate of the Group of Experts tasked with monitoring sanctions implementation.
« Two additional resolutions empower MONUSCO to support the implementation of the Washington Agreement and renew sanctions against armed groups, alongside the Group of Experts’ mandate to document the situation’s realities. France commends, encourages, and supports ongoing mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and the African Union. As President Tshisekedi reiterated on June 30, diplomacy is not a sign of weakness. A negotiated solution upholds uncompromising principles: the sovereignty of the DRC and respect for its territorial integrity, » emphasized the French ambassador.
Beyond multilateral frameworks, Maréchaux highlighted France’s bilateral cooperation with Kinshasa, particularly in security. He pointed to initiatives such as the regeneration of a Jungle Brigade battalion in Kisangani in March, with French instructors, and plans to regenerate a second battalion in October.
« The DRC’s return to the international stage is not limited to football. For the first time in 35 years, it holds a seat on the UN Security Council, currently presiding over it. The country is also a member of the UN Human Rights Council and chairs the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. Additionally, it strengthens its engagement in the Francophonie with the candidacy of Ms. Juliana Lumumba for Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, » noted the ambassador.
He described these developments as positive news for both the DRC and its global standing. In an era where international relations are increasingly defined by power dynamics, he championed multilateralism as the most effective response.
« Amid the current brutalization of international relations, France firmly believes in inclusive multilateralism that integrates Africa more fully into global governance. The DRC’s return to the global stage coincides with a growing recognition of its potential and strategic role in the energy transition and climate change mitigation, despite ongoing crises, » he asserted.
France’s stance aligns with diplomatic developments marked by the Washington Peace Agreement, mediated by the United States, between the DRC and Rwanda. The agreement includes de-escalation measures, the gradual withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and the neutralization of armed groups in eastern DRC, including the FDLR, which Kigali views as a security threat. While the agreement was widely celebrated upon signing, the security situation in eastern DRC remains dire.
Meanwhile, the Doha Process, facilitated by Qatar, aimed at fostering dialogue between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebellion, has yet to yield significant progress. On the ground, AFC/M23 rebels, accused by Kinshasa, the UN, and international partners of receiving Rwandan support, maintain control over cities like Goma and Bukavu and numerous localities in North and South Kivu provinces. Fighting continues in several areas, while diplomatic initiatives struggle to produce tangible results on the ground.
This persistent gap between diplomatic commitments and on-the-ground realities underscores the urgent need for action.
Clément Muamba