French ambassador highlights France’s backing for peace efforts in DRC at Bastille Day event

During France’s Bastille Day celebrations, Ambassador Rémi Maréchaux delivered a keynote address reaffirming France’s unwavering support for peace initiatives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the strengthening of Franco-Congolese cooperation, and the promotion of multilateralism.

In his speech, delivered at his residence to an audience of dignitaries and guests, the French envoy emphasized that July 14 marks not the anniversary of France’s independence or President Emmanuel Macron’s tenure, but rather the 1789 Revolution and the nation’s enduring commitment to the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Turning to the security situation in eastern DRC, Maréchaux underscored France’s active role within the United Nations Security Council in advocating for a lasting resolution to the conflict. He highlighted France’s leadership in drafting key resolutions aimed at restoring peace.

« The Democratic Republic of the Congo currently faces immense challenges, not least the protracted war in its eastern regions. France has been instrumental at the UN Security Council, where it helped secure the adoption of critical resolutions. Resolution 2773, unanimously adopted, sets out the framework for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The M23 must immediately cease hostilities, withdraw its forces, and dismantle its illegitimate parallel administrations. Rwanda must halt its support for the M23 and withdraw its troops from Congolese territory, » declared the French diplomat.

He also referenced Resolutions 2808, which extended the MONUSCO mandate by one year, and 2825 (2026), which renewed sanctions against the DRC until July 1, 2027, while also extending the mandate of the Group of Experts tasked with monitoring their implementation. This framework is designed to document and address the realities on the ground.

« Two additional resolutions enable MONUSCO to support the implementation of the Washington Agreement and renew sanctions against armed groups, along with the mandate of the Group of Experts, which documents the situation’s realities. France commends, encourages, and supports the 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 must adhere to non-negotiable principles: the sovereignty of the DRC and respect for its territorial integrity, » he stressed.

Beyond multilateral engagements, Maréchaux highlighted France’s commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation with Kinshasa, particularly in security. He cited recent initiatives, such as the regeneration of a Jungle Brigade battalion in Kisangani in March, trained by French instructors, with a second battalion set for regeneration in October.

« Our multilateral commitment complements bilateral efforts to strengthen state capacity and authority through police and military cooperation. In March, I visited Kisangani to oversee the regeneration of a Jungle Brigade battalion by French instructors. A second battalion will follow in October, » he explained.

« The DRC’s return to the global stage is not limited to football. For the first time in 35 years, it holds a seat on the UN Security Council, which it currently chairs. It is also a member of the UN Human Rights Council and chairs the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. Additionally, its engagement within the Francophonie is growing, with Ms. Juliana Lumumba’s candidacy for Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, » he noted.

Maréchaux described these developments as positive news for the DRC’s global standing and the world at large. Amid an international landscape increasingly defined by power dynamics where stronger nations impose their will on weaker ones, he championed multilateralism as the most effective response.

« In the face of today’s brutalization of international relations, France is convinced that the solution lies in inclusive multilateralism, one that integrates Africa more fully into global governance. The DRC’s return to the international stage comes at a time when, despite its challenges, the country is gaining renewed attention. This reflects a growing recognition of its potential and the strategic role it must play in the energy transition and the fight against climate change, » he asserted.

France’s stance aligns with a broader diplomatic context marked by the signing, under US mediation, of the Washington Peace Agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. This accord outlines 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 widely welcomed upon its conclusion, the security situation in eastern DRC remains dire.

Meanwhile, the Doha process, facilitated by Qatar to foster dialogue between the Congolese government and the M23 rebellion, has yet to yield significant progress. On the ground, M23 rebels, accused by Kinshasa, the UN, and international partners of receiving Rwandan support, continue to control cities such as Goma and Bukavu, as well as numerous other areas in North Kivu and South Kivu. Fighting persists in several zones, while diplomatic initiatives struggle to translate into tangible results.

This persistent gap between diplomatic commitments and ground realities underscores the urgent need for concrete action.

Clément Muamba