Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and pledged active participation in the forthcoming United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Peace, Security, Stability and Development.
The assurance was given by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during a meeting in Abuja with the Special Envoy of President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The envoy, accompanied by the DRC’s 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 high-level debate scheduled for July 22, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
According to the Special Envoy, the debate will provide African countries with an opportunity to advance common positions on peace, security and sustainable development, while reinforcing the continent’s leadership in addressing its own challenges. He noted that Nigeria’s participation would be invaluable, given its longstanding leadership role in Africa.
Responding, Ambassador Enikanolaiye conveyed President Tinubu’s warm regards to President Tshisekedi and congratulated the Democratic Republic of the Congo on its election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
He expressed confidence that the DRC would effectively champion Africa’s interests during its tenure on the Council and commended the initiative to convene the debate, stressing that lasting development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace, security and stability.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting African-led solutions to conflicts on the continent and reiterated the country’s solidarity with the DRC, particularly in efforts to restore peace and stability in its eastern region.
He also conveyed Nigeria’s sympathy to the Government and people of the DRC over the ongoing Ebola outbreak, while commending the Congolese authorities for measures taken to contain the disease. Ambassador Enikanolaiye disclosed that Nigeria had activated preventive measures, including the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease, to strengthen the country’s preparedness against any possible outbreak.
On the invitation to the UN Security Council debate, the Minister assured the Congolese delegation that Nigeria would be represented at the meeting, adding that the level of participation would be communicated after the necessary consultations. He also requested the debate’s concept note and other relevant documents to facilitate Nigeria’s effective contribution.
The meeting also reviewed bilateral issues, including consular matters and concerns relating to Nigerian government property in the DRC. Both countries agreed to strengthen diplomatic engagement to ensure the amicable resolution of the outstanding issues.
The meeting ended with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding bilateral cooperation, enhancing diplomatic relations and working together to promote peace, security and sustainable development across Africa.
