DRC Elected to UN Security Council with Historic Support

On June 3, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly elected the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2026. The DRC secured 183 votes out of 193 member states, reflecting significant international support. This marks the DRC's third tenure on the Council, following previous terms in 1982–1983 and 1990–1991.

The UN Security Council comprises 15 members: five permanent members with veto power—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—and ten non-permanent members elected for staggered two-year terms. Elections are held annually by secret ballot, with seats allocated by regional groups to ensure geographical representation. Candidates must secure a two-thirds majority in the 193-member General Assembly to be elected.

In this election, the DRC was elected alongside Bahrain, Colombia, Latvia, and Liberia. The vote counts were as follows: Bahrain received 186 votes, the DRC 183 votes, Liberia 181 votes, Colombia 180 votes, and Latvia 178 votes. Latvia will serve on the Council for the first time, while the other elected countries have previously served: Colombia seven times, the DRC twice, and Bahrain and Liberia once each.

Following the election, DRC's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, emphasized the country's commitment to leveraging its experience with conflict, peacekeeping, and resource-linked unrest to contribute effectively to global peace and security discussions. She stated, "We will most certainly come to the Security Council bearing the experience of a country that knows what it is like to have decades of conflict, that has 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."

President Félix Tshisekedi described the election as "a historic opportunity to make DRC’s security and development priorities heard." He highlighted the alignment of this mandate with the DRC’s efforts to reposition itself economically, notably through advanced negotiations with the United States on a strategic minerals supply chain agreement. This deal aims to secure U.S. access to critical resources such as cobalt, lithium, and coltan, while ensuring better remuneration and transparency for the DRC.

The DRC's election to the Security Council carries significant social and political implications:

• Advocacy for African Interests: As part of the "A3" group alongside Liberia and Somalia, the DRC is expected to advance the African Union's positions on key peace and security issues. The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, emphasized the collective responsibility of these nations to promote multilateralism and ensure that Africa's priorities are heard at the highest levels of global decision-making.

• Focus on Regional Stability: The DRC's experience with internal conflicts, particularly in its mineral-rich eastern regions, positions it to contribute valuable insights into peacekeeping operations and the protection of civilians. The country aims to address the convergence between conflict, natural resources, and environmental changes on the global stage.

• Economic Repositioning: The DRC's strategic minerals are crucial to the global economy, especially for industries reliant on cobalt and coltan. By securing a seat on the Security Council, the DRC seeks to strengthen its diplomatic credibility and advocate for fairer economic partnerships, ensuring better remuneration and transparency in the extraction and trade of these resources.

This election marks the DRC's third term on the UN Security Council, with previous tenures in 1982–1983 and 1990–1991. The current context differs significantly from previous terms, as the DRC continues to grapple with internal conflicts and seeks to leverage its position to advocate for peace and security both regionally and globally.

The DRC's election to the UN Security Council underscores its evolving role in international diplomacy and its commitment to contributing to global peace and security. As the country prepares to assume its seat, it aims to bring its unique perspectives and experiences to the Council's deliberations, advocating for both regional stability and broader international cooperation.