On September 21, 2026, in New York, United States, the Congolese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, participated in a high-level meeting to discuss a political solution to the crisis in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The event, titled "Promoting the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda in Peace Processes in the Great Lakes Region," aimed to reaffirm support for a political solution to the crisis.
The high-level meeting brought together prominent figures, including Queen Mathilde of Belgium, UN Sustainable Development Goals Advocate, Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, President of the African Union Commission, and Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi. Representatives from the UN, African Union, European Union, MONUSCO, UN Women, and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region also attended. The meeting focused on promoting the full and meaningful participation of women in peace processes.
According to a communiqué from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting sought to formulate concrete recommendations to strengthen the role of women in negotiations, ceasefire monitoring mechanisms, and the implementation of peace agreements. The crisis in eastern DRC has been a longstanding issue, with various stakeholders calling for a peaceful resolution. The Congolese government's participation in this high-level meeting demonstrates its commitment to finding a solution.
The event was an opportunity for participants to share perspectives and experiences on promoting women's participation in peace processes. The Congolese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs engaged with other attendees to discuss ways to address the crisis in eastern DRC. The meeting's outcome is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to bring peace and stability to the region.
The crisis in eastern DRC has had significant humanitarian and economic impacts. The region has been plagued by conflict, displacement, and human rights abuses. A political solution to the crisis is widely regarded as essential to achieving lasting peace and stability. The high-level meeting in New York was a crucial step towards achieving this goal.
The participation of Queen Mathilde of Belgium and other prominent figures highlights the international community's commitment to supporting peace efforts in the Great Lakes Region. The meeting's focus on women's participation in peace processes reflects the growing recognition of the importance of gender-sensitive approaches to conflict resolution.
The Democratic Republic of Congo continues to work towards finding a lasting solution to the crisis in eastern DRC. The high-level meeting in New York was an important milestone in this process. The Congolese government, in collaboration with international partners, remains committed to promoting peace, stability, and development in the region.
Key points
- The Congolese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs participated in a high-level meeting on peace in eastern DRC.
- The meeting aimed to promote women's participation in peace processes and find a political solution to the crisis.
- The event brought together prominent figures from the UN, African Union, and other international organizations.
