During his participation from February 14-16, 2025, at the 61st Munich Security Conference, the Head of State H.E. Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo received support from many European Union member countries who clearly condemned the criminal actions of Rwanda in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and are working on implementing appropriate sanctions against the Kigali regime.

This annual event, founded in 1963, brings together policymakers, experts, and civil society figures to discuss the most pressing global security issues. The conference has become an essential venue for international diplomacy and security cooperation. [1]

Context of the security conference

The 61st Munich Security Conference took place in a global context marked by heightened geopolitical tensions and increasingly complex security challenges. This high-level annual meeting brought together heads of state, ministers, and leaders of international organizations to discuss contemporary strategic issues. The discussions focused on crucial topics such as international security, counter-terrorism, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The conference also highlighted the growing impact of geopolitical tensions on organizations' cybersecurity strategies, emphasizing the interconnectedness of modern security challenges. [2]

President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) took this opportunity to advocate for strengthened international cooperation in the face of security challenges, particularly in the Great Lakes region. He provided a detailed overview of the critical situation in the eastern DRC, highlighting his country's efforts to promote regional stability. The Congolese head of state called for more vigorous collective action to counter threats to global peace and security, emphasizing the importance of a concerted approach to resolving persistent conflicts and fostering lasting pacification. [3]

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's stance on security issues

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) takes a firm stance on security, actively engaging in the promotion of regional peace and the fight against threats to stability. President Félix Tshisekedi, during his participation in the 61st Munich Security Conference in February 2025, highlighted the urgency of a collective response to pacify the Great Lakes region, particularly in light of the security crisis in the east of the country. This approach underscores the crucial importance of international cooperation in resolving security challenges, calling for concerted action to counter threats to global peace, especially the expansion of the M23 and the alleged support of Rwanda for this armed group. [5]

At the same time, the DRC is striving to strengthen its defense and internal security capabilities to effectively protect its citizens and national interests. In this context, President Tshisekedi mentioned plans for the modernization of the armed forces and improvement of internal security. These initiatives are part of a broader strategy aimed at stabilizing the country and creating an environment conducive to development, while addressing crucial issues such as access to critical metals and the energy transition, topics that position the DRC as a key player on the international stage. [6]

In conclusion, President Félix Tshisekedi's participation in the 61st Munich Security Conference, from February 14 to 16, 2025, marked a crucial turning point for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on the international stage. This prestigious platform offered the Congolese head of state the opportunity to present the reality of the conflict in the eastern part of the country, exacerbated by the Rwandan army's offensive and the actions of M23 terrorists, and to advocate for increased international involvement in resolving this crisis. Tshisekedi also addressed globally important topics such as international cooperation, access to critical metals, and the energy transition, thus positioning the DRC as a key player in discussions on current strategic and geopolitical issues.

The Head of State H.E Felix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo received support from many European Union member countries who clearly condemned the criminal actions of Rwanda in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are working on implementing appropriate sanctions against the Kigali regime.