France reaffirms support for peace initiatives in DRC during national day celebrations
France reaffirms support for peace initiatives in DRC during national day celebrations
- Politics
The French ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rémi Maréchaux, used the occasion of France’s national day celebrations on July 14 to underscore his country’s unwavering commitment to peace initiatives in eastern DRC and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Paris and Kinshasa.
In a carefully prepared address delivered at his residence to a distinguished audience, Maréchaux began by emphasizing that July 14 commemorates not France’s independence or a political leader, but rather the 1789 Revolution and its foundational values of liberty, equality, and fraternity. He then pivoted to the critical security situation in eastern DRC, where prolonged conflict has devastated communities and undermined regional stability.
France’s multilateral engagement at the UN Security Council
The ambassador highlighted France’s active role within the United Nations Security Council, where it has championed resolutions aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC. He specifically cited three key resolutions:
- Resolution 2773: Establishes the framework for a durable solution to the conflict, including the immediate cessation of hostilities by the M23, withdrawal of all troops, and dismantling of illegitimate parallel administrations. It also demands that the Rwandan army cease its support for armed groups and withdraw from Congolese territory.
- Resolution 2808: Extends the mandate of MONUSCO for an additional year to continue its peacekeeping mission.
- Resolution 2825 (2026): Renews the sanctions regime against the DRC until July 1, 2027, and extends the mandate of the Group of Experts tasked with monitoring sanctions implementation.
“The DRC faces immense challenges today—starting with a war that has dragged on far too long in the east. France has been at the forefront at the UN Security Council, working to secure the adoption of decisive resolutions. The M23 must halt hostilities, withdraw its forces, and dismantle illegitimate parallel administrations. The Rwandan army must cease supporting the M23 and withdraw from Congolese soil,” declared the French diplomat.
He also commended ongoing mediation efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and the African Union, stressing that diplomatic engagement was not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength and commitment to sovereignty and territorial integrity. “The negotiated solution rests on non-negotiable principles: the sovereignty of the DRC and respect for its territorial integrity,” he stated.
Bilateral cooperation and capacity building
Beyond multilateral diplomacy, Maréchaux emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation between France and the DRC, particularly in security. He pointed to recent initiatives such as the regeneration of a Jungle Brigade battalion in Kisangani through French military training—a second battalion is set to be regenerated in October 2026.
“Our multilateral commitment complements a robust bilateral engagement aimed at strengthening state authority through police and military cooperation. In March, I traveled to Kisangani to witness firsthand the regeneration of a Jungle Brigade battalion by French instructors. A second battalion will follow in October,” he explained.
The DRC’s growing international influence
The ambassador celebrated the DRC’s recent return to the global stage, noting its current presidency of the UN Security Council, membership in the UN Human Rights Council, and leadership in the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region. He also highlighted the country’s enhanced engagement in the Francophonie with the candidacy of Juliana Lumumba for Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie.
“These are positive developments not only for the DRC and its growing influence but for the world at large. In an era where international relations are increasingly defined by power dynamics, France firmly believes in inclusive multilateralism that integrates Africa more fully into global governance,” Maréchaux stated.
He linked the DRC’s resurgence on the international stage to a growing recognition of its potential and strategic role in the global energy transition and climate change mitigation efforts, despite ongoing internal challenges.
Context and ongoing challenges
Maréchaux’s remarks come at a time when diplomatic progress appears to lag behind the realities on the ground. While the Washington Peace Agreement, mediated by the United States, was hailed as a breakthrough, it has yet to translate into tangible improvements in security. The agreement calls for de-escalation measures, the progressive withdrawal of Rwandan forces from Congolese territory, and the neutralization of armed groups operating in eastern DRC, including the FDLR, which Rwanda considers a security threat.
Similarly, the Doha Process, facilitated by Qatar, aimed at fostering dialogue between the Congolese government and the AFC/M23 rebellion, has yet to yield significant progress. On the ground, the AFC/M23 rebels, accused by Kinshasa, the UN, and several international partners of receiving Rwandan support, continue to control key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, as well as numerous localities in North Kivu and South Kivu. Fighting persists in several areas, underscoring the persistent gap between diplomatic commitments and ground realities.
