The Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), while reiterating the country’s support for peace, stability and regional cooperation across Africa. The Honourable Minister of State gave the assurance on Monday, 13 July 2026, when he received in audience the Special Envoy of the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, His Excellency President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
The Special Envoy, who was accompanied by the Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Nigeria, Mrs. Pascaline Gerengbo Yakivu, delivered a special message from President Tshisekedi to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and extended an invitation to Nigeria to participate in the forthcoming United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Peace, Security, Stability and Development scheduled to hold on 22 July 2026 in New York.
The Envoy noted that the debate would provide an important platform for Africa to advance common positions on peace, security, stability and sustainable development, while demonstrating African leadership in addressing the continent’s challenges. He emphasised that the Democratic Republic of the Congo attaches great importance to Nigeria’s participation, particularly in view of Nigeria’s leadership role on the African continent.
Responding, Ambassador Enikanolaiye conveyed the warm greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to President Félix 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 issues of strategic importance to Africa during its tenure on the Council. The Honourable Minister of State commended the initiative to convene a high-level debate on the nexus between peace, security, stability and development, stressing that sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and stability. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting African-led initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts and promoting lasting peace across the continent.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye also conveyed the sympathy of President Tinubu and the Government and people of Nigeria to the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in parts of the country. He commended the Congolese Government for the measures already taken to contain the outbreak and prevent its further spread. The Honourable Minister of State informed the delegation that Nigeria had activated appropriate preparedness measures, including the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease, to strengthen the country’s prevention and response mechanisms. He expressed confidence that the collaborative efforts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the international community would successfully contain the outbreak.
In response to the invitation to the United Nations Security Council debate, Ambassador Enikanolaiye assured the delegation that Nigeria would participate actively in the event, noting that the level of representation would be communicated following the conclusion of necessary consultations. The Honourable Minister of State further requested that the Democratic Republic of the Congo provide the concept note and other relevant background documents to facilitate Nigeria’s effective participation in the debate. He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the Democratic Republic of the Congo in its pursuit of peace and stability, particularly in the eastern part of the country, and reiterated Nigeria’s support for African-led and home-grown solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss outstanding bilateral issues, including certain consular and government property matters involving Nigeria in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Both sides agreed to strengthen diplomatic consultations to facilitate their amicable resolution.
The meeting concluded with both countries reaffirming their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, promoting regional peace and security, and advancing closer cooperation within the African continent.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Tuesday 14, July 2026
