ABUJA — Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and confirmed it will participate in a United Nations Security Council high-level debate on peace, security and development scheduled for July 22, 2026, in New York.
The assurance was given by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during a meeting with a Special Envoy of DRC President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo in Abuja.
According to a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the envoy delivered a message from President Tshisekedi to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and formally invited Nigeria to the high-level UN debate.
The Congolese envoy said the meeting would provide a platform for Africa to present a unified position on peace, security, stability and sustainable development.
“The debate will demonstrate African leadership in addressing the continent’s challenges,” the envoy noted, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s participation given its leadership role in Africa.
Responding, Enikanolaiye conveyed President Tinubu’s goodwill to President Tshisekedi and congratulated the DRC on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
“Sustainable development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and stability,” Enikanolaiye said, reaffirming Nigeria’s support for African-led solutions to security challenges across the continent.
He also expressed sympathy over the Ebola outbreak in parts of the DRC, commending efforts by the Congolese government to contain the disease.
The minister disclosed that Nigeria has activated preparedness measures, including the establishment of a Presidential Task Force on Ebola Virus Disease, to strengthen prevention and response capacity.
On the UN invitation, Enikanolaiye assured that Nigeria would participate actively, noting that the level of representation would be communicated after internal consultations.
The meeting also addressed bilateral issues, including consular and government property matters, with both countries agreeing to intensify diplomatic engagements for amicable resolution.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, promoting regional peace and strengthening cooperation across Africa.
