UN Security Council: DRC pleads for responsible natural resource governance for peace

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) urged the international community to prioritize responsible natural resource governance as a tool for peace and conflict prevention. Speaking at an informal Arria-formula meeting at the UN Security Council, DRC's Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, called for a shift from conflict management to proactive governance that respects state sovereignty.

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The exploitation of strategic resources must contribute more to economic development, stability, and the prosperity of populations rather than fueling tensions and insecurity.

Wagner emphasized that the exploitation of strategic resources should contribute to economic development and stability, rather than fueling tensions and insecurity. She highlighted that natural resources can be a powerful driver of regional cooperation, stability, and sustainable development, rather than solely perceived as sources of competition or conflict. This perspective was echoed by Huang Xia, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, who also stressed the importance of creating concrete economic opportunities for lasting peace in the region.

This informal meeting serves as a prelude to a high-level public debate at the Security Council on July 22, which will be presided over by DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. Through this initiative, the DRC intends to place the issue of natural resource governance at the forefront of international discussions on peace and security. The country advocates for a more coherent and adaptable regulatory framework that aligns with the realities faced by resource-producing nations.

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Natural resources should not be perceived solely as factors of competition or conflict. On the contrary, they can constitute a powerful lever for regional cooperation, stability, and sustainable development.

The Arria-formula meetings are informal gatherings of the UN Security Council that allow for more open exchanges with external actors not typically involved in official sessions. These can include civil society representatives, independent experts, academics, NGOs, and representatives from non-member states, providing a broader platform for discussion on critical global issues.

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The creation of concrete economic opportunities remains an essential element for ensuring lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.