The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has a long and complex history that intersects deeply with the development and history of the United States, beginning in the 17th century with the transatlantic slave trade. Millions of Africans, many from what is now the DRC, were forcibly taken from their homeland and transported to the Americas, where they were sold into slavery. Although exact numbers are difficult to confirm, it is believed that the Congo River basin played a central role in the transatlantic slave trade, with significant numbers of enslaved individuals coming from this region. These individuals contributed, directly and indirectly, to the growth of the United States, particularly in agricultural industries like cotton, tobacco, and sugar, which were the economic bedrock of early American prosperity. Museums such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture have worked to uncover and illuminate this untold history, displaying the global connections that the legacy of slavery has left behind.
This rich history forms the backdrop for Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner’s remarks during the 9804th meeting of the United Nations Security Council, which took place in December 2024 under the U.S. presidency. The Security Council meeting focused on the security challenges in the DRC and broader African issues, particularly the escalating violence in the eastern provinces. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, in her briefing for the month, underscored the United States’ engagement in regional peace processes such as the Luanda and Nairobi initiatives, aimed at addressing the situation in the DRC.
The day after attending the UN Security Council meeting, the Foreign Minister sat down with Pearl Matibe in Washington, D.C., for an interview, providing a broad overview of the DRC’s foreign policy priorities, her country’s contributions to global development, and its vision for leadership in Africa and beyond. This conversation provided insights into the DRC’s foreign policy strategy from the lens of Felix Tshisekedi’s highest-level diplomat, and the country’s ambitions for greater influence on the global stage.
Matibe: Good evening, Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. As the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie, you hold a vital role in shaping the country’s diplomatic relationships and global presence. Could you share what drives your vision for diplomacy and leadership as you lead this Cabinet post?
Foreign Affairs Minister: A you said, it’s a very strategic and pivotal position, and it’s an extreme privilege for me to serve in this capacity. What drives my vision is using the ministry as an entryway and a pathway from the DRC to the world and from the world to the DRC. The challenge for us is to make sure that we use this ministry as an opportunity to showcase the DRC in all its diversity.
Very often, our country is portrayed in a very limited manner. For me, it is a priority to ensure that we communicate in a way that broadens the world’s perspective of what the DRC is—its challenges, but also its opportunities. Of course, the situation in eastern DRC is a particularly critical and preoccupying issue and always at the forefront of my efforts. But it is equally important to represent the other side of the DRC, one that goes beyond the image of crisis and conflict, shedding light on the immense potential and resilience of our country.
Matibe: Can you tell us about your Cabinet and the Ministry you now lead? How large is the Ministry in terms of budget, civil servants, and embassies globally?
Foreign Affairs Minister: Certainly. Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs oversees a significant network globally. We currently maintain over 70 embassies worldwide. In terms of staffing, within the country, we have approximately 2,000 civil servants, and outside the country, around 600 personnel. The scope and scale of the Ministry are vast, reflecting the importance of ensuring that our diplomatic representations are well resourced and strategically aligned to promote the DRC’s interests effectively.
Matibe: Embassies in Washington, London, Paris, and Luanda are critical for DRC’s foreign policy. What is your vision for success in these cities?
Foreign Affairs Minister: Yes, there are a set of very strategic embassies, and Washington, D.C. is definitely one of them. You can add to that London, Paris, and of course Brussels, which is a hotspot because we have a very strong diaspora. Beyond Europe and North America, we also consider Pretoria and Kigali as key locations.
For me, the priority is to ensure that these critical and strategic embassies are well-equipped, well-staffed, and have clear guidelines regarding the DRC’s strategic priorities. My role as Foreign Minister is to provide these embassies with the resources, content, and strategic orientation they need to effectively represent our nation.
These embassies are more than just diplomatic outposts—they are mirrors of the DRC to the world. It’s important that their activities reflect our values and goals, ensuring that we maintain strong, meaningful relationships in these cities and beyond.
Of course, yes. Addis Ababa is particularly important because it is the seat of the African Union, and we have longstanding historical ties with Ethiopia. Similarly, Moscow holds a significant place in our diplomatic landscape due to over 65 years of partnership and friendship between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Russian Federation. Both embassies are vital for advancing our strategic relationships and ensuring our voice is represented in these critical geopolitical spaces.
Matibe: What is the mission that President Tshisekedi has tasked you with as Foreign Minister, and how does it align with the DRC’s goals in Africa and in the world?
Foreign Affairs Minister: The core mission is to ensure that our diplomacy mirrors the Democratic Republic of the Congo and showcases our country effectively through our various diplomatic representations. One of my key priorities is to modernize the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including its digitalization, so that we are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. This involves leveraging technology to make our ministry more efficient and responsive.
Another critical aspect of my mission is enhancing the DRC’s presence in multilateral organizations. For instance, we have been elected to the UN Human Rights Council and are currently campaigning for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. These steps reflect our longstanding commitment to multilateralism and international cooperation.
A key part of this is also ensuring that more Congolese professionals are represented in these international organizations. Through innovative projects and strategic initiatives, we are working to create greater inclusion and representation, making the DRC a more prominent and active player on the global stage.
Matibe: The UN Security Council has been discussing the DRC and this week. What key priorities or messages do you hope to bring to this discussion?
Foreign Affairs Minister: The discussions at the Security Council were very fruitful. One of our main priorities was to reinforce the message of support for the DRC’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. We emphasized that what is often described as an M23 rebellion is, in fact, an illegal occupation of Congolese territory by the Rwandan Defense Forces. This has been clearly evidenced and documented by the UN Group of Experts in their reports.
“e shed light on the exploitation of our natural resources by these foreign forces, which not only violates our sovereignty but also fuels instability in the region. Another key message was the necessity for Rwanda to withdraw from the DRC to preserve international peace and security.
“With MONUSCO’s mandate expiring on December 20, we are engaged in consultations to ensure the next mandate aligns with the realities on the ground. We have made it clear that the mandate must reflect the true causes of instability, including the presence of foreign forces. At the same time, we are advocating for an orderly, sequenced, and sustainable withdrawal of MONUSCO, ensuring there is no security vacuum left behind. These are the core messages we brought to the table, and we were encouraged by the strong support from the Security Council on these matters.
Matibe: I closely follow the DRC and the Great Lakes region’s security landscape. What are the most pressing security concerns your government is addressing?
Foreign Affairs Minister: The situation in eastern DRC remains our most pressing security concern, with several layers to address. One major issue is the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which we have been combating in joint operations with Uganda’s People’s Defence Forces under Operation Shujaa [since November 2021]. These operations have been ongoing for more than a year now and aim to dismantle the ADF’s operational capacities.
When it comes to local armed groups such as CODECO in the Ituri Province, we are focusing on community dialogue to reconcile factions and address grievances that fuel instability. The Nairobi Process, which was launched to find durable solutions to local armed groups, is also a key part of our strategy, and we are working on revitalizing it to continue these efforts.
At the regional level, we have prioritized the Luanda Process to address the illegal occupation of our territory by foreign forces, particularly the Rwandan Defense Forces. Our first focus has been on restoring territorial integrity, but as we make progress there, we are reinvigorating efforts to address local armed groups as well.
It’s a complex situation, but we are determined to tackle it through a combination of military operations, diplomatic efforts, and community-based approaches to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the instability in the region.
Matibe: The plight of Christians in Ituri, Nord-Kivu, Sud-Kivu, and Tanganyika has garnered concern. How is your government addressing these challenges?
Foreign Affairs Minister: This is indeed a very concerning issue, particularly with the activities of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which often target Christian communities. These attacks, which include the burning of homes and efforts to force conversions, have introduced a troubling religious dimension to the conflict in the region.
As a government, we are committed to the well-being of all Congolese citizens, regardless of their religious affiliations, but the specific targeting of Christians and religious figures by the ADF adds another layer of urgency. We have seen attacks on churches and areas of religious significance, which are clearly aimed at destabilizing communities and fracturing the social fabric.
To address this, we are intensifying our military operations against the ADF through joint efforts with Uganda under Operation Shujaa. At the same time, we are focusing on broader peacebuilding measures, including community reconciliation and dialogue, to rebuild trust and cohesion in affected areas. These efforts are part of our comprehensive approach to restoring security and ensuring that all Congolese can live without fear of persecution or violence.
Matibe: Are there issues or stories from the DRC that you feel deserve more global attention? What should the world know that isn’t currently being highlighted?
Foreign Affairs Minister: The DRC is so often portrayed through a lens of conflict and resource extraction that it overshadows our greatest wealth—our people. The world needs to know that the DRC is not just a land of challenges but a land of incredible resilience, culture, and contributions to global history and culture.
We are the largest French-speaking country in the world, surpassing even France in this regard. Our music has made generations dance, not only in Africa but across the world. We were the country of the Rumble in the Jungle—a historic event that showed the world the strength and spirit of the Congolese people.
Our story also includes a significant contribution to the Americas, where a majority of enslaved Africans were taken from Central Africa, including the Congo. Their legacy is woven into the rhythms, religions, and cultures of the Americas, but this is rarely acknowledged.
We have individual stories of resilience, creativity, and innovation that are seldom told. While we must continue to speak about the violence and injustices afflicting millions of Congolese citizens, we also owe it to ourselves to highlight our cultural and historical significance. These stories deserve to be heard, and they paint a more holistic and truthful picture of who we are as a nation.
Matibe: How is the Ministry engaging with regional organizations like the African Union, SADC, and EAC to enhance collaboration and tackle regional challenges?
Foreign Affairs Minister: We see regional organizations as essential partners in addressing the challenges we face. The African Union, for instance, provides a continental platform for discussing and coordinating solutions to issues like security, governance, and economic development. Our embassy in Addis Ababa, as the seat of the African Union, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the DRC’s voice is heard and that we are actively contributing to these conversations.
SADC, on the other hand, holds a very special place for us. Throughout the most challenging chapters of our history, SADC countries have been among our strongest allies, standing steadfastly by us. At the recent SADC summit, we had very productive discussions about deepening ties and addressing mutual concerns. There’s a unique spirit of solidarity within SADC, and we will continue to engage both as an organization and bilaterally with individual member states to strengthen those bonds.
With the East African Community (EAC), we are working on fostering greater collaboration, especially given our shared challenges in the Great Lakes region. From security issues to infrastructure development, the EAC offers a framework for tackling these issues collectively.
Through these organizations, the DRC is not just participating but actively contributing to solutions that benefit the region as a whole.
Matibe: As you look ahead, what do you see as the Ministry’s top priorities in 2025 and beyond? How can international partners best support DRC’s goals?
Foreign Affairs Minister: Looking ahead to 2025, our primary focus will be to continue modernizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially through digitalization, so we are better equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing world. This will allow us to enhance our diplomatic capabilities and improve efficiency across all our representations worldwide.
We are also committed to strengthening our foreign policy and making sure that it reflects the evolving global landscape. In particular, we will focus on enhancing the DRC’s presence in multilateral organizations and ensuring that our voice is heard in global discussions. The upcoming year will be critical as we work towards our goal of securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. We also want to continue working closely with regional organizations like SADC, the African Union, and the East African Community to foster deeper collaboration and resolve regional conflicts, particularly in the Great Lakes region.
Another priority is ensuring that we not only promote the DRC’s economic potential but also work on creating an environment that attracts international investment. The DRC is a land of untapped resources, and we need international partners who understand our potential and are willing to collaborate on projects that benefit both sides.
International partners can support our goals by advocating for our sovereignty and territorial integrity, assisting with capacity building in diplomacy, and supporting peace efforts in our region. A key area where we need continued international cooperation is in addressing the instability caused by armed groups in the eastern DRC, and we would appreciate stronger, more consistent support from our global partners to help resolve these issues.
