Tshisekedi Meets Macron: Davos Follow-Up in Paris

Paris, January 23, 2026 – Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi is in paris today for talks wiht French President Emmanuel Macron, following stops at the World Economic Forum in Davos and a private visit to Brussels. The DRC is a key focus for France, receiving the largest share of French commitments in Africa last year.

France Leads Diplomatic Efforts for DRC Stability

The meeting underscores France’s central role in navigating the complex political and security landscape of the Great Lakes region.

• President Tshisekedi and macron will discuss bilateral relations and the ongoing crisis in the DRC.
• France spearheaded two recent United nations Security Council resolutions concerning the DRC.
• Paris has already disbursed €850 million of a pledged €1.5 billion in aid for the region.
• Discussions will also center on fostering an inter-Congolese dialog to achieve lasting peace.

Today’s lunch between Tshisekedi and Macron will address both bilateral issues and the volatile situation in the Great Lakes region. France has been actively involved in supporting the DRC through the UN Security Council, acting as the “penholder” – responsible for drafting, negotiating, and presenting resolutions – on two particularly challenging resolutions concerning the DRC. These resolutions navigated reluctance from other African nations and geopolitical tensions between the United States and China regarding the mandate of the United Nations organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Monusco).

Did you know? – France’s role as “penholder” at the UN Security Council is a significant diplomatic position, allowing it to shape resolutions concerning the DRC.This involves navigating complex international relations.

What’s the status of aid commitments to the DRC? France has already disbursed €850 million of the €1.5 billion pledged at the Paris conference on October 30, 2025, for peace and prosperity in the Great lakes region.This funding is designated as emergency humanitarian aid, according to French officials.

The leaders are also expected to discuss the importance of an inclusive inter-Congolese dialogue. France advocates for a national dialogue within the DRC, building on consultations initiated by Congolese Churches, as a pathway to lasting peace.

Pro tip – An “inter-Congolese dialogue” aims to include various political and social groups within the DRC to find solutions to the ongoing conflict, promoting national ownership of the peace process.

The discussions follow Tshisekedi’s participation in the Davos forum on Wednesday, January 21, and a subsequent private stay in Brussels.

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