Roxane de Bildering: New Belgian Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo
Roxane de Bildering is an experienced diplomat who has just set foot in Kinshasa as the new ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She made history by becoming the first woman to represent Belgium in the Congolese capital, succeeding Jo Indekeu who held this position for four years.
Prior to her assignment in the DRC, Ms. de Bildering served in Japan and accumulated extensive experience through her postings in Africa, including Kenya, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
His appointment comes at a key moment when diplomatic relations between Belgium and the DRC are experiencing a significant improvement. We remember in particular the visit of the Belgian royal couple to the DRC in June 2022 which marked a turning point in these relations.
Beyond diplomatic relations, Belgium is also committed on other fronts in the DRC. Since April 2022, around thirty Belgian instructors have been deployed in the province of Maniema to strengthen security cooperation.
On the cultural level, a strong gesture was also made with the return of 84,000 works of art and cultural objects from the collections of the AfricaMuseum to the DRC. This return is part of a process of restitution of African cultural property held by foreign institutions, and testifies to Belgium’s desire to promote recognition and respect for Congolese cultural heritage.
The appointment of Roxane de Bildering as Belgian Ambassador to the DRC offers new opportunities to strengthen ties between the two nations. His diplomatic experience and knowledge of Africa will be valuable assets in building on the positive initiatives already undertaken and promoting mutually beneficial cooperation. Belgium and the DRC have a promising future ahead of them, and the arrival of Roxane de Bildering opens new perspectives for this bilateral relationship