The Democratic Republic of the Congo's government has distanced itself from an economic forum scheduled to take place in Bobigny, France, from October 14 to 16, 2026. According to a statement released on October 7, the office of Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner denied any official involvement in the event. The statement claimed that the minister's office only learned of the forum through public announcements.
The "RDC 2026 Economic Forum" was announced as being under the "high patronage" of Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. However, her office asserted that no formal validation, authorization, or agreement was given for the use of her name or position in connection with the event. As a result, the minister cannot be associated with the organization, content, or conclusions of the forum.
The office of the Foreign Minister has called on the organizers of the forum to immediately remove all references to Minister Kayikwamba Wagner's name and position from promotional materials. This includes posters, programs, publications, and digital communication channels that mention her name or imply her involvement.
Despite the denial of involvement, the government reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the Congolese diaspora and supporting initiatives that contribute to the country's development. The office of the Foreign Minister emphasized that such initiatives must be examined through official channels, in line with government policies and the vision of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo.
The government has expressed its support for initiatives that showcase the Democratic Republic of the Congo's potential and opportunities. However, it maintains that these initiatives must be undertaken in a transparent and official manner. The controversy surrounding the "RDC 2026 Economic Forum" highlights the importance of verifying the authenticity of events bearing the government's or its officials' names.
The incident also underscores the need for coordination and communication between government agencies, the diaspora, and other stakeholders. The government has encouraged the diaspora to continue contributing to the country's development while following established procedures and protocols.
The "RDC 2026 Economic Forum" is one of several events aimed at promoting economic cooperation and development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While the government's stance on this particular event is clear, it remains to be seen how similar events will be handled in the future.
Key points
- The DR Congo government denies official involvement in the "RDC 2026 Economic Forum" in France.
- The office of Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner calls on organizers to remove her name and position from promotional materials.
- The government reaffirms its commitment to promoting the Congolese diaspora and supporting development initiatives through official channels.
