Nigeria Backs DR Congo Peace Drive, Confirms Participation in UN Security Council Debate

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and supporting African-led efforts to promote peace, stability and development across the continent.

The assurance was given by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during a meeting with the Special Envoy of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Monday.

The envoy, accompanied by the DRC Ambassador to Nigeria, Mrs. Pascaline Gerengbo Yakivu, delivered a special message from President Tshisekedi to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and formally invited Nigeria to participate in the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Peace, Security, Stability and Development scheduled for July 22 in New York.

According to the envoy, the meeting will provide an opportunity for African countries to articulate common positions on peace, security and sustainable development, while showcasing the continent’s leadership in addressing its challenges. He stressed that the DRC considers Nigeria’s participation vital, given its influential role in Africa.

Responding, Ambassador Enikanolaiye conveyed President Tinubu’s greetings to President Tshisekedi and congratulated the DRC on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

He expressed confidence that the Central African nation would champion issues of strategic importance to Africa during its tenure on the Council.

The minister commended the initiative to convene the high-level debate, noting that lasting development cannot be achieved without peace and stability. He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to supporting African-led initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts and fostering sustainable peace across the continent.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye also conveyed Nigeria’s sympathy to the people and government of the DRC over the Ebola outbreak affecting parts of the country. He praised the Congolese authorities for measures taken to contain the disease and disclosed that Nigeria had activated preparedness measures, including the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease, to strengthen prevention and emergency response.

He expressed optimism that the combined efforts of the DRC and the international community would successfully contain the outbreak.

On the invitation to the UN Security Council debate, the minister assured the Congolese delegation that Nigeria would participate actively, adding that the country’s level of representation would be communicated after the necessary consultations. He also requested the concept note and other background documents to enable Nigeria’s effective participation.

The meeting further reviewed outstanding bilateral matters, including consular issues and government property concerns involving Nigeria in the DRC. Both countries agreed to intensify diplomatic engagements to resolve the issues amicably.

The meeting ended with Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral ties, strengthening regional peace and security, and expanding cooperation in pursuit of Africa’s shared development goals.