In a multipolar world marked by rivalry among major powers, DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has chosen a multi-alignment policy to defend national interests. At the third Russia-Africa Forum in October 2026, Tshisekedi presented this new vision, emphasizing the importance of not choosing one side to maintain decision-making freedom. He called on Russia, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to support the full implementation of resolutions 2773 and 2808, which demand the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory and an end to support for M23 rebels.
This policy shift is rooted in DR Congo's history, dating back to the Berlin Conference in 1885. The conference saw 14 European powers, including Belgium, divide Africa into spheres of influence. King Leopold II of Belgium created the Congo Free State, which was recognized by the US and other European monarchies. This unique history has shaped DR Congo's statehood, with the country maintaining a balance between major powers. After independence in 1960, DR Congo navigated the bipolar world of the Cold War, aligning with Western powers under President Mobutu.
The end of the Cold War and the Soviet Union's collapse led to a unipolar world under US leadership. DR Congo re-established diplomatic relations with former communist countries, including Russia. With the emergence of China as a superpower and Russia's resurgence under Vladimir Putin, the world has transitioned to a multipolar system. In this context, Tshisekedi's multi-alignment policy seeks to leverage relationships with major powers like China, the US, and Russia to promote national interests.
DR Congo's multi-alignment policy is driven by its unique history and geography. The country's strategic location and rich natural resources make it an important player in regional and global geopolitics. By engaging with multiple powers, DR Congo aims to maximize its diplomatic and economic opportunities while maintaining sovereignty. This approach requires careful balancing to avoid dependence on any single power or bloc.
The multi-alignment policy has been shaped by DR Congo's experience as a buffer state between rival powers. During the Cold War, the country was a key player in regional conflicts, hosting various international interventions. Today, DR Congo seeks to navigate the complex landscape of global politics, where emerging powers like China and India are increasingly influential. By diversifying its relationships, DR Congo aims to secure its position and promote economic development.
President Tshisekedi's policy has significant implications for DR Congo's international relations and domestic development. To succeed, the government must build a modern state with a capable elite that can effectively promote national interests. This will require investments in governance, infrastructure, and human development. By leveraging its relationships with major powers, DR Congo can secure the resources and expertise needed to drive growth and stability.
The success of DR Congo's multi-alignment policy will depend on its ability to balance competing interests and maintain sovereignty. The country must navigate complex rivalries between major powers, ensuring that its relationships with one power do not compromise its interests with others. By walking this tightrope, DR Congo can promote its national interests and contribute to a more multipolar and balanced world order.
Key points
- DR Congo adopts multi-alignment policy to balance relationships with major powers.
