Tshisekedi calls for african unity, inviting ndayishimiye to un security council meeting on natural resources

Confronted by the numerous challenges impacting the African continent, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) issued a strong call on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, for heightened collective action and a more resolute defense of Africa’s strategic interests on the global stage.

Speaking to the press in Kinshasa following discussions with his Burundian counterpart, Évariste Ndayishimiye, who also serves as the current Chairperson of the African Union, the Congolese head of state emphasized the critical need for African nations to demonstrate greater unity and amplified solidarity when addressing contemporary issues.

In line with this vision, President Tshisekedi announced his invitation to President Ndayishimiye to participate in an upcoming high-level meeting of the United Nations Security Council. President Tshisekedi himself is slated to preside over this significant session in the United States, coinciding with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s presidency of the esteemed body in July 2027.

“Africa is navigating a pivotal period; our continent must confront intricate security challenges, persistent humanitarian crises, the ramifications of climate change, global economic pressures, and the immense aspirations of our youth. In the face of these hurdles, Africa must articulate its positions with greater coherence, act with increased solidarity, and assert its strategic interests with unwavering determination. It is in this spirit that I had the honor of inviting my brother, President Évariste Ndayishimiye, to partake in the high-level meeting I will soon chair at the United Nations Security Council. This will occur during the DRC’s presidency of the Council in July 2027, and the discussions will focus on the intricate connections between natural resources, peace, security, and sustainable development,” declared Félix Tshisekedi, President of the DRC.

This crucial gathering will delve into the intrinsic links between natural resources, peace, security, and sustainable development—a theme the Congolese head of state considers vital for the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Great Lakes region, and the entire African continent. The Congolese President conveyed his conviction that his Burundian counterpart’s involvement would significantly enrich the deliberations during this high-level assembly.

“This theme holds paramount importance for our nation, for the Great Lakes region, and for Africa as a whole. Our natural resources must cease to be drivers of covetousness, predation, instability, and conflict. Instead, they must transform into catalysts for peace, development, economic sovereignty, industrial advancement, and shared prosperity. I am confident that President Ndayishimiye’s contribution, in his dual capacity as President of the Republic of Burundi and current Chairperson of the African Union, will provide invaluable insights for the benefit of our continent,” President Félix Tshisekedi further elaborated.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is preparing to assume the presidency of the United Nations Security Council in July 2027, as part of the monthly rotation among the body’s members. The DRC will hold this presidency after Colombia in June and before Denmark in August, adhering to the alphabetical order of member states. These three nations are currently serving on the Security Council, with Colombia and the DRC as non-permanent members elected for the 2026-2027 term.

Since January 2026, the flags of five newly elected non-permanent members for the 2026-2027 mandate have been raised at the UN headquarters in New York. These include Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Latvia, and Liberia. This ceremonial event, held on Thursday, January 2, 2026, marked the commencement of their two-year term within the principal organ responsible for authorizing peacekeeping operations, implementing sanction regimes, and guiding political and security responses to international crises.