France backs DRC’s push for fair natural resource governance at UN

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is leveraging its current presidency of the United Nations Security Council to elevate a critical agenda: the governance of natural resources as a cornerstone of peace and stability. On Monday, July 13, Kinshasa organized a high-level Arria-formula meeting in New York, focusing on the nexus between resource exploitation and conflict prevention. This diplomatic initiative will culminate on July 22 with a high-level debate chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, themed “Natural Resource Governance: The Foundation of Peace, Security, and Prosperity.”

The DRC’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has highlighted what it describes as a normative gap in international frameworks governing natural resources in conflict zones. Current mechanisms—such as mineral traceability, corporate due diligence, and anti-conflict financing tools—remain fragmented and lack coherence. Kinshasa is advocating for a unified international approach that integrates resource governance with conflict prevention and security strategies.

This shift in perspective is gaining traction. Traditionally viewed through an economic lens, natural resources are now being framed as strategic assets for peace and security—worthy of a permanent place on the UN Security Council’s agenda. The French delegation, represented by Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont, has publicly endorsed this vision, emphasizing the need to protect these resources from exploitation and misuse.

“Natural resources must serve as engines for sustainable and equitable development for the communities and nations that possess them. They must be shielded from predatory practices and diverted for malicious purposes. France fully supports the DRC’s objective to strengthen and harmonize international initiatives aimed at ensuring responsible resource management. We are committed to contributing to the Council’s efforts in preparation for next week’s high-level debate, alongside President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi,” stated Ambassador Bonnafont.

The DRC’s diplomatic push aligns with broader priorities set during its 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, accountability, and reparations.

These efforts unfold against a backdrop of strategic partnerships, including the DRC’s collaboration with the United States on critical minerals and the Washington Agreement with Rwanda. While the latter includes measures for de-escalation, the phased withdrawal of Rwandan forces, and the neutralization of armed groups like the FDLR, the security situation remains precarious. The Doha process, aimed at facilitating dialogue between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 rebels, also faces persistent deadlocks.

The AFC/M23 rebels, accused by the DRC, the UN, and international partners of receiving Rwandan support, continue to control key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, as well as other areas in North and South Kivu. Ongoing clashes highlight the disconnect between diplomatic progress and ground realities, reigniting debates about the efficacy of international interventions in conflict zones.