On October 29, 2026, Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo requested Russia's assistance in implementing UN Security Council resolutions 2773 and 2808. He made this appeal during the third Russia-Africa summit, held in the presence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and several African leaders. Tshisekedi emphasized the need for international cooperation to address the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
The conflict in eastern DRC has been exacerbated by the illegal exploitation of natural resources, which Tshisekedi considers a key factor in the persistence of armed conflicts. He stressed that a lasting solution to the crisis requires the re-establishment of state authority across the country and the protection of populations. Tshisekedi's comments highlight the complexities of the conflict and the need for a comprehensive approach to address its root causes.
During his address, Tshisekedi advocated for international cooperation that yields concrete results for the benefit of local populations. He emphasized the importance of developing partnerships that promote peace, security, job creation, and increased African participation in global decision-making. The DRC president's statements reflect his country's desire for mutually beneficial relationships with international partners.
Tshisekedi reiterated the DRC's commitment to expanding its relationships with various international partners while maintaining its sovereignty and autonomy in decision-making. He clarified that diversifying partnerships does not imply alignment with one power at the expense of another. Instead, it is about strengthening the country's freedom to make decisions in the best interests of its people.
On the economic front, Tshisekedi highlighted several priority sectors for the DRC's development, including job creation, energy access, infrastructure construction, local mining resource transformation, and food security enhancement. He called for cooperative relationships that enable the country to harness its natural wealth, develop its production capacities, and improve living standards.
Tshisekedi also addressed the issue of African representation in international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council. He advocated for reforms to correct existing imbalances and ensure Africa's more equitable participation in international peace and security decision-making. As the DRC prepares to serve as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2026 to 2027, Tshisekedi assured that his country will exercise its mandate with independence and a commitment to dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution.
Through his intervention at the Russia-Africa summit, Tshisekedi conveyed a dual message: securing diplomatic support for peace in eastern DRC and promoting international cooperation based on sovereignty, economic development, and more balanced African representation in global institutions. The DRC president's appeal to Russia and other international partners underscores the need for collective action to address the complex challenges facing the region.
Key points
- DRC President Félix Tshisekedi requests Russian support for implementing UN resolutions to address the conflict in eastern DRC.
- Tshisekedi emphasizes the need for international cooperation to address the root causes of the conflict, including the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
- The DRC president advocates for reforms to ensure Africa's more equitable participation in international peace and security decision-making.
