DRC says UN General Assembly elected it to Security Council for 2026–27; pledges focus on Eastern Congo and peacekeeping

A DRC government spokesperson said the United Nations General Assembly elected the Democratic Republic of the Congo to serve as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2026–27 term.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the press, today marks a defining moment for the Democratic Republic Of The Congo," the DRC government spokesperson said, adding that the country welcomed "the decision of the United Nations General Assembly to elect our country to serve as nonpermanent member of the Security Council for the 20 26, 20 27 term." The spokesperson said the statement was made "on behalf of the president of the republic, his excellency, Felix Antoine Chiseke di Chilombo, and in the name of the Congolese people." The spokesperson also paid tribute to the African Union for its support.

The spokesperson framed the election as both a vote of confidence in the DRC and a sign of continental unity. "This election is not only a mark of confidence in the DRC. It is also a reflection of Africa's unity and its rightful place in shaping the global peace and security agenda," the spokesperson said, and added that the mandate beginning in January 2026 "is [one] we embrace fully." The statement pledged the DRC would "serve with dignity, independence of judgment, and loyalty to the principles of the Charter," and to "work with all members of the council to advance peace, uphold international law, and promote the legitimate aspirations of people around the world."

When asked whether the DRC would press for greater Security Council attention to the eastern border of the country, a journalist asked, "Will [the DRC] put more focus on the issue in the Eastern border of DRC in the Security Council agenda while you're the member of the Security Council?" The DRC government spokesperson replied that the situation in eastern DRC "is front and center for the Congolese government because it is our people who are being victimized." The spokesperson added the DRC intends to bring "the experience of a country that knows what it is like to have decades of conflict," including "a thorough understanding of the challenges of peacekeeping operations and protection of civilians issues as well as the convergence between conflict, natural resources, and environmental changes."

The spokesperson emphasized that the DRC—s participation will be framed as a contribution to broader international efforts rather than as serving narrow national interests: "This is the experience and expertise we wish to bring to the table, not to serve our own interests, but to serve the interests of humanity," the spokesperson said.

The mandate cited in the remarks begins in January 2026. The statement includes no formal text of a UN resolution or Security Council agenda item and does not specify any concrete measures, proposals or scheduled actions the DRC will introduce after it assumes the seat.

The press exchange lasted several minutes and consisted of the initial statement and a follow-up question on eastern DRC; no formal vote or motion was taken during the briefing.