Democratic Republic of the Congo President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi has outlined key priorities for the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region for 2026–2027. The priorities include the fight against illegal exploitation of natural resources, institutional reforms, and regional security. Tshisekedi discussed these priorities with ICGLR Executive Secretary Dr Mubita Luwabelwa at the Cité de l’Union Africaine in Kinshasa.
The meeting between Tshisekedi and Luwabelwa was aimed at obtaining guidance on the organization's priority areas for the coming period. The discussions covered efforts to address the illegal exploitation of natural resources, institutional reforms, cooperation among member states, and issues relating to peace and security. Luwabelwa visited the Congolese leader to receive instructions on various priority matters.
Tshisekedi has served as the ICGLR's incumbent president since November 2025, following the transfer of the organization's chairmanship from Angola to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His term is expected to run until 2027. The priorities discussed carry particular significance for a region where armed conflicts, cross-border tensions, and competition over natural resources have remained major challenges.
The illegal exploitation and trade of minerals have long been concerns in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where armed groups and illicit economic networks have been linked to the conflict. This issue also extends beyond the DRC, as the Great Lakes region connects countries through shared borders, trade routes, natural resources, and security concerns.
The ICGLR was established to promote peace, security, stability, and development among countries in the Great Lakes region. Its work includes cooperation on conflict prevention, responsible management of natural resources, regional integration, and the protection of communities affected by insecurity. The organization's Troika brings together its current chair, immediate former chair, and incoming chair.
The planned Troika meeting is expected to provide another opportunity for consultations on the organization's priorities and the coordination of its activities. While the latest meeting did not announce a new regional agreement or specific enforcement measures, it highlighted the issues the Congolese presidency wants the organization to address during the remainder of its current leadership period.
The challenge will be translating those priorities into coordinated action among member states, particularly on illegal resource exploitation and the security problems that continue to affect communities across the Great Lakes region. Preparations are underway for the next meeting of the ICGLR Troika, with the Secretariat working to ensure the meeting's success.
Key points
- DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi outlines key priorities for the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region
- The priorities include the fight against illegal exploitation of natural resources, institutional reforms, and regional security
- Tshisekedi has served as the ICGLR's incumbent president since November 2025
