**DRC: Between hope and reality, the stakes of a UN emergency session**
On January 26, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) finds itself at the heart of international concerns as the United Nations Security Council prepares to discuss the worrying situation in North Kivu. This country, rich in resources and cultural diversity, has been the scene of armed conflicts, ethnic tensions and foreign invasions for decades, exacerbated by complex geopolitical interests. The worsening situation, denounced by the Congolese government, calls for a deep reflection on the effectiveness of international diplomacy and the dynamics of territorial sovereignty.
### An emergency session with echoes of the past
The history of UN Security Council resolutions concerning the Congo is rich in lessons. References to landmark events such as the 1990 invasion of Iraq or the Israeli military operation against a humanitarian convoy reveal a paradox: the importance of the international response to a clear aggression. In the case of the DRC, Congolese demands include a withdrawal of Rwandan forces, a nice promise of respect for sovereignty, but which often seems to vanish in the wind of diplomatic discussions.
However, what the Congolese government calls a crisis may be the result of years of neglect and inaction on the ground. According to figures from the International Crisis Group, between 1998 and 2020, the number of displaced people in Congo exceeded 5 million, an alarming figure that testifies to an endless cycle of violence and instability. This context raises the question of the effectiveness of outdated resolutions, which often prove impotent in the face of the reality on the ground.
### The challenges of territorial sovereignty
The idea of sovereignty is at the heart of debates around the DRC. The notion of borders is often questioned, particularly by neighboring states such as Rwanda. The latter, in search of legitimacy in its actions, evokes historical arguments to justify incursions into Congolese territory. However, this shift towards a historical narrative, while having echoes in many conflicts, should not replace the recognition of the sovereign rights of states.
Professor of international relations, Jean-Claude Willame, emphasizes that these territorial disputes involve regional actors with obscure intentions. The proclamation of the Rwandan state is not measured solely by the prism of geographical borders, but by issues of regional domination. In this context, the UN Security Council must position itself, not only to strengthen Congolese sovereignty, but also to establish preventive mechanisms in the face of expansionist ambitions in the region.
### The recognition and reality of armaments
In addition, the issue of armaments and military means, particularly through the surface-to-air missile system mentioned in communications between Congo and Rwanda, raises complicated strategic issues. The accusation of armed aggression would be legitimized by Article 3 of Resolution 3314 on aggression, but how can a State be held accountable when the verification mechanisms remain unclear?
A 2022 UN report revealed that armed groups have enriched themselves through the illegal exploitation of Congolese resources, thus linking the Rwandan armed forces to a terrorist financing network. These interconnections raise the question of accountability at the international level and the responsibility of States in the face of acts of aggression.
### The future through the prism of international engagement
Far from diplomatic speeches, the potential success of a UN emergency session could be measured by its ability to impose an operational framework. Diplomacy, while crucial, should not suffer from a lack of concreteness. Rigorous follow-up and implementation of resolutions are essential to guarantee the peace and security that have eluded the Congo for too long.
Furthermore, concerted action by international powers, involving not only the DRC and Rwanda, but also other key actors in the region, could lead to lasting solutions. The lessons of past failures must guide this new approach, while making a clear call for the internationalization of discussions.
### Conclusion: a call to action
As an international community, it is our duty not to relegate the Congolese question to a mere footnote in the annals of UN resolutions. The conflict in the DRC is not just about territorial issues; it illustrates a fight for dignity, justice and self-determination of a people. The emergency session of the Security Council, scheduled for January 26, represents a crucial opportunity to reverse the course of history, but this change will only be viable if all actors agree to sincerely address the true roots of the conflict.
The DRC expects from the international community not only words, but concrete actions that will restore hope to its disillusioned population. The stakes are immense, and the future of the country rests, in large part, on the decisions and commitment that will emanate from this exceptional session.