• Political commentary
• Thursday, July 16, 2026

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has taken center stage as the rotating president of the United Nations Security Council for the entirety of July 2026. This unprecedented diplomatic milestone arrives just six months after the DRC assumed its non-permanent seat for the 2026-2027 term—its first Security Council role in over three decades, with the last participation dating back to 1990-1991.

Guided by the principle “More peace, more justice, more development and more multilateralism”, the presidency is led by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay. Kinshasa is leveraging this platform to connect collective security with sustainable development goals, amplifying Africa’s voice on critical global issues.

The DRC’s top agenda item focuses on the governance of natural resources. A high-level public debate scheduled for July 22, 2026, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, will spotlight how illegal mineral exploitation fuels armed conflicts. Another key priority is combating wartime sexual violence—a cause championed by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka in early July.

While managing pressing global crises such as the situations in the Middle East, Sudan, and Haiti, the DRC is also using its visibility to draw attention to the ongoing conflict in the eastern region. Without compromising its neutral role as Council president, it is highlighting the humanitarian toll of the aggression it faces. The ultimate aim is to secure stronger international sanctions against armed groups and their external backers.