DR Congo Engages France on Regional Security and Humanitarian Crisis

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) arrived in Paris on Friday for talks with French President Emmanuel Macron, following his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos and a private visit to Brussels, according to media reports.

The meeting, requested by authorities in Kinshasa, takes place as France remains one of the DRC’s key international partners, particularly in the areas of diplomacy, security and development cooperation.

Discussions between the two leaders are expected to focus on bilateral relations, as well as the political and security situation in the Great Lakes region, where ongoing instability has fuelled humanitarian concerns.

Talks are also likely to revisit the Paris conference on peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region held on 30 October 2025. The conference mobilised €1.5 billion in international commitments, including €850 million already disbursed for humanitarian assistance, according to official figures.

Another key issue on the agenda is the call for a national dialogue in the DRC aimed at fostering lasting peace. France has publicly supported the initiative, which aligns with consultations led by Congolese religious institutions.

President Tshisekedi’s visit to Paris follows his attendance at the 56th annual World Economic Forum in Davos, where he participated in discussions on energy transition, climate change and sustainable development, representing the DRC on the global stage.