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• Thursday, July 16, 2026 — 10:54 AM

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has assumed the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council for the entire month of July 2026. This historic milestone arrives just six months after the country began its two-year term as a non-permanent member for 2026-2027. The DRC’s last stint in this diplomatic role dates back over three decades, to 1990-1991.

Under the banner of “More peace, more justice, more development, and more multilateralism,” this presidency is being led by Ambassador Zénon Mukongo Ngay. Kinshasa is leveraging this international platform to connect collective security with sustainable development goals. The Congolese authorities aim to amplify Africa’s voice on critical global issues.

The DRC’s agenda prioritizes the governance of natural resources, with a high-level public debate scheduled for July 22, 2026, chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi. This session will spotlight how illicit mineral exploitation fuels armed conflict. Another key focus is combating sexual violence in conflict zones, a cause championed earlier this month by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka.

While managing ongoing global crises such as those in the Middle East, Sudan, and Haiti, the DRC is also seizing this spotlight to draw attention to the war ravaging its eastern region. Despite maintaining its neutral role as Council president, Kinshasa is highlighting the humanitarian toll of the aggression it faces. The objective: securing stronger international sanctions against armed groups and their external backers.