** The return of the DRC to the UN Security Council: an opportunity to seize for peace and justice **
On June 5, 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) found its place in the United Nations Security Council, after an absence of 35 years. This news was welcomed by Dr. Denis Mukwege, Nobel Peace 2018 Peace Prize, who sees it as a significant advance for the country, heir to a complex and often tragic history. On this occasion, Mukwege urged the Congolese authorities to pursue an ambitious objective: the implementation of transitional justice to end impunity and promote lasting peace, especially in the east of the country, where armed conflicts have caused countless suffering.
### A return responsible for memories and commitments
The return of the DRC to the UN Security Council coincides with several historical milestones, including the 15th anniversary of the United Nations Mapping Report, which documents human rights violations and the atrocities committed during the conflicts of the last two decades, and the thirty -something wars that have cost millions of Congolese. This election is not only symbolic; It is accompanied by immense responsibility for Congolese leaders. The challenge is to transform this international recognition into concrete actions which meet the pressing expectations of a population marked by persistent humanitarian crises.
### The challenges of transitional justice
The call to transitional justice should not be underestimated. Over the years, the DRC has suffered from the devastating consequences of armed conflict, not only on the human level, but also on that of the social and economic fabric. The establishment of an international criminal tribunal for the Congo, as Mukwege suggests, could potentially offer a path to the responsibility of atrocities. But this also requires a sincere political will on the part of the Congolese authorities.
Recent history has shown that attempts at justice, such as national or international trials, have often been insufficient or hampered by governance problems. The lessons in history highlight the importance of an inclusive approach, involving the participation of affected communities, both in the justice process and in political decisions. How can the DRC leaders guarantee that the voices of citizens, and in particular victims, be really heard in the discussions of sustainable justice?
### Rethinking national priorities
Mukwege also highlighted the need to refocus the action of the state on the aspirations of Congolese citizens. This raises a crucial question: how can leaders ensure that their actions within the United Nations Security Council and on a national level meet the real needs of the population? The challenges that the DRC faces – poverty, limited access to education, precarious health, and insecurity – require sustained attention.
The election of the DRC as a non -permanent member must therefore be perceived as a chance to initiate a constructive dialogue with the international community, but also as an opportunity to redefine internal priorities. This implies tackling the deep causes of conflicts, investing in education, health, and infrastructure, while seeking to establish a climate of confidence between the State and the citizens.
### A call to collective responsibility
However, the return of the DRC to the UN Security Council cannot be fully fruitful without a collaborative approach on an international scale. Regional and international partners must support Congolese efforts to strengthen governance, promote justice and reconciliation, and effectively fight against corruption. This support must be accompanied by recognition of realities in the field and the challenges that the population faces daily.
Mukwege’s speech must resonate beyond the walls of power. He calls for collective action, awareness of the international community, and real solidarity towards a country whose potential remains hampered by decades of conflict. The DRC has a historical opportunity to redefine its role on the world scene, but that cannot be done without a firm and pragmatic commitment to the service of its people.
### Conclusion
As the DRC assumes its role within the United Nations Security Council, it must sail with caution between the complex history which defines it and the aspirations of a peaceful and prosperous future. Denis Mukwege’s words must not remain a dead letter; They must inspire a concrete and transformative action, focused on justice, peace, and integrated development, to finally put Congolese citizens at the heart of the decisions that concern them.