In January 2026, the global diplomatic landscape was reshaped in New York. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made its grand return to the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member. Absent from this body for over three decades, Kinshasa served for the 2026-2027 term.

A strategic renewal

This start of the year coincides with the rotating presidency held by Somalia and the partial renewal of non-permanent members.

1. Outgoing teams: Algeria, South Korea, Guyana, Sierra Leone and Slovenia.
2. Incoming countries: Bahrain, Latvia, Colombia, Liberia and the DRC.

Elected with an overwhelming majority in June 2025 (183 votes out of 187), the DRC thus begins its third historic term, after those of the 1980s and 1990s. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Wagner , has already affirmed that the country will not only carry its own interests, but also the aspirations of the African continent.

Keeping the security emergency on the agenda

The main challenge of this term remains the crisis in the east of the country. Kinshasa, which denounces a "war of aggression" by Rwanda, intends to use this seat to:

1. Implement resolution 2773: Adopted in February 2025, it demands the withdrawal of Rwandan forces and the armed group AFC/M23.
2. Countering oblivion: Faced with the emergence of new global tensions (Middle East, Venezuela), the DRC wants to ensure that its security situation remains an international priority.

The challenge for the African bloc (Group A3)

Until now, obtaining binding action from the UN has proven complex for the Congolese presidency. By joining the "A3 group" (the three African seats) alongside Liberia and Somalia, the DRC hopes to create a more effective diplomatic synergy.

"The objective is to keep the Congolese agenda on the Council's table so that the resolutions passed unanimously result in an effective return of peace," emphasizes Christian Moleka, political analyst.