During its July presidency of the United Nations Security Council, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is pushing for a fundamental shift in how the international community views natural resource governance. Kinshasa has made this issue the cornerstone of its diplomatic agenda, organizing a high-level debate on July 22 under the theme: “Natural Resource Governance as the Foundation for Peace, Security, and Prosperity.”

DRC calls for stronger global norms on natural resource governance

On Monday, July 13, the DRC hosted a special UN Security Council meeting in New York in the “Arria” format, focusing on the links between natural resource exploitation and conflict. The Congolese government argues that existing frameworks—such as mineral traceability, corporate due diligence, and conflict financing prevention—are fragmented and lack coherence. Kinshasa is advocating for a unified international framework that integrates natural resource governance with conflict prevention and international security.

The DRC’s position is clear: natural resources should not merely be seen as economic assets but as strategic pillars of peace and security that deserve a permanent place on the UN Security Council’s agenda. This stance has gained significant traction, particularly with France, which has publicly endorsed the initiative.

France aligns with DRC’s vision for sustainable resource management

Jérôme Bonnafont, France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized Paris’s commitment to supporting the DRC’s efforts. In a statement, he highlighted the need to protect natural resources from exploitation and misuse, stating:

“Natural resources must serve as a lever for sustainable and equitable development for the populations and countries that host them. They must be shielded from predatory practices and diverted for malicious purposes. France fully supports the DRC’s goal of strengthening and harmonizing international initiatives aimed at responsible resource management. We are ready to contribute to the Security Council’s work that will accompany the high-level debate next week, in the presence of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.”

The DRC’s diplomatic push comes amid a series of high-profile events during its UN Security Council presidency. Earlier this month, a briefing on conflict-related sexual violence, chaired by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, underscored the human cost of war economies and the urgent need for prevention, survivor protection, and accountability.

Regional tensions and fragile peace efforts

The DRC’s diplomatic initiatives coincide with strategic partnerships, including a recent agreement with the United States to strengthen cooperation on critical minerals and a Washington-mediated accord with Rwanda. The latter aims to de-escalate tensions, facilitate the gradual withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and neutralize armed groups like the FDLR, which Kigali views as a security threat.

Despite these diplomatic breakthroughs, the security situation remains precarious. The AFC/M23 rebellion, which Kinshasa, the UN, and international partners accuse Rwanda of backing, continues to control key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, as well as several towns in North Kivu and South Kivu. Clashes persist in various regions, and diplomatic efforts, including the Doha process mediated by Qatar, have yet to yield lasting results. This disconnect between diplomatic announcements and ground realities has reignited debates about the gap between policy and implementation.

The DRC’s push for a more integrated approach to natural resource governance reflects a broader recognition that sustainable peace in the region depends not only on military solutions but also on equitable economic policies and robust international cooperation.