Model UN Background Guide

Committee: Security Council
Topic: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Conference Year: 2026

Topic Background

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been a focal point of international concern due to its ongoing security challenges, complex political landscape, and humanitarian crises. The country’s vast natural resources, ethnic diversity, and history of conflict have contributed to recurrent instability since the late 1990s. The Second Congo War (1998-2003), often called “Africa’s World War,” involved multiple neighboring states and armed groups, resulting in millions of deaths and displacement. Although formal hostilities ended over two decades ago, the eastern provinces—particularly North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri—remain plagued by armed militias, intercommunal violence, and illicit exploitation of minerals.

Currently, the DRC is on the Security Council’s agenda due to a resurgence of violence in the east, political tensions surrounding the 2023-2024 electoral cycle, and concerns over the spillover effects on regional stability. Armed groups such as the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the March 23 Movement (M23), and various Mai-Mai militias continue to perpetrate attacks against civilians and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC). These groups exploit porous borders with Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi, complicating regional security dynamics.

Furthermore, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions internally displaced and dependent on international aid. The government’s capacity to assert control and provide basic services is limited, exacerbated by corruption and weak governance structures. The DRC’s strategic importance—due to its mineral wealth including cobalt and coltan, critical for global technology supply chains—adds an economic dimension to the crisis.

The Security Council’s renewed focus on the DRC in 2026 reflects the urgency to address these intertwined security, political, and humanitarian challenges, prevent further regional destabilization, and support peacebuilding efforts.

Key Actors

• Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): The central state actor, led by President Félix Tshisekedi since 2019. The government seeks international support to stabilize the east, disarm militias, and strengthen state authority while navigating political pressures.

• Neighboring States:

  • Rwanda and Uganda: Historically involved in the DRC conflict, they have complex relationships with armed groups like M23 and ADF. Both countries emphasize border security and accuse each other of supporting proxies.
  • Burundi: Concerned about cross-border insurgencies and refugee flows, Burundi also faces accusations of supporting armed groups in eastern DRC.
  • Angola and Zambia: Regional mediators with interests in stability and economic cooperation.

• United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO): The UN’s largest peacekeeping operation, tasked with protecting civilians, supporting stabilization, and assisting the government. MONUSCO’s mandate has evolved, with recent emphasis on offensive operations against armed groups and facilitating political dialogue.

• African Union (AU) and International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR): Regional organizations promoting conflict resolution, disarmament, and cooperation among member states.

• Key Security Council Members:

  • Permanent Members: The United States, France, United Kingdom, China, and Russia each have strategic interests in the DRC, ranging from counterterrorism and resource security to geopolitical influence.
  • Elected Members: Countries with regional or thematic stakes, such as Kenya, India, or Brazil, often advocate for peacekeeping and development-oriented approaches.

• International NGOs and Humanitarian Agencies: Active in delivering aid and documenting human rights abuses, they influence international responses and highlight the humanitarian dimension.

Bloc Positions

1. Western Powers (United States, United Kingdom, France, Canada, EU member states):

   • Emphasize human rights, protection of civilians, and accountability for war crimes.
   • Support robust UN peacekeeping mandates with offensive capabilities against armed groups.
   • Advocate for political reforms and anti-corruption measures.
   • Often call for sanctions against individuals or entities fueling conflict.

2. Regional African States and Organizations (AU, ICGLR, Rwanda, Uganda, Angola, Zambia, Kenya):

   • Prioritize regional stability and sovereignty of the DRC.
   • Support dialogue-based solutions and regional security cooperation.
   • Some states, notably Rwanda and Uganda, are sensitive to accusations of involvement with armed groups and seek to manage external perceptions.
   • Generally cautious about extensive foreign intervention but endorse targeted peacekeeping support.

3. BRICS and Emerging Powers (China, Russia, India, Brazil, South Africa):

   • Often emphasize respect for national sovereignty and non-interference.
   • Promote development-oriented assistance and infrastructure investment.
   • Skeptical of sanctions and mandates perceived as infringing on state authority.
   • Advocate for multilateralism but with a cautious approach to peacekeeping engagement.

4. Humanitarian and Civil Society Advocates (some elected Council members and NGOs):

   • Demand increased humanitarian access and protection of civilians.
   • Highlight the plight of displaced persons and vulnerable communities.
   • Push for accountability mechanisms for human rights violations.
   • Encourage integrated approaches combining security, governance, and development.

Past UN Action

• Resolution 1925 (2010): Authorized MONUSCO with a robust mandate including protection of civilians and support to stabilization efforts.
• Resolution 2348 (2017): Extended MONUSCO’s mandate with a focus on offensive operations against armed groups in eastern DRC.
• Resolution 2556 (2020): Adjusted MONUSCO’s troop levels and emphasized political dialogue and DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration).
• Resolution 2592 (2021): Addressed cross-border threats and called for enhanced regional cooperation.
• Secretary-General Reports: Regular reports on MONUSCO’s activities, security situation, and humanitarian conditions provide detailed assessments and recommendations.

Questions a Resolution Should Answer

1. How can the Security Council support the DRC government and MONUSCO to effectively neutralize armed groups while minimizing harm to civilians?
2. What measures can be implemented to enhance regional cooperation and prevent cross-border support for militias?
3. How should the UN address political tensions related to electoral processes and governance reforms in the DRC?
4. What strategies can improve humanitarian access and protection for internally displaced persons and refugees?
5. How can accountability for human rights violations and exploitation of natural resources be strengthened?
6. What role should sanctions or targeted measures play in deterring armed groups and their external backers?
7. How can peacekeeping mandates evolve to balance offensive operations with long-term stabilization and development goals?

Further Reading

• UN Documents: Security Council resolutions and Secretary-General reports on MONUSCO and the DRC provide official positions, mandate details, and assessments of the security and political situation. These documents are essential for understanding the UN’s evolving approach and legal framework.

• Think-Tank Reports: Analyses from institutions such as the International Crisis Group, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and the African Center for Strategic Studies offer in-depth research on conflict dynamics, regional relations, and policy recommendations. These reports often include field research and expert interviews.

• News Outlets and Investigative Journalism: Reputable international and regional media sources like Reuters, Al Jazeera, The New York Times, and local Congolese outlets provide up-to-date coverage of developments on the ground, including conflict incidents, political events, and humanitarian issues. Investigative reports can shed light on illicit resource exploitation and armed group financing.

This background guide aims to provide delegates with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges facing the DRC and the Security Council’s role in addressing them in 2026. Delegates should be prepared to negotiate complex political, security, and humanitarian issues with sensitivity to regional dynamics and international legal frameworks.