By: Julius Konton
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their long-standing strategic partnership, with both countries placing sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference and African solidarity at the centre of their diplomatic cooperation.
The commitment emerged during talks in Luanda between DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita, held on the sidelines of the 26th Extraordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council.
Wagner described the relationship between Kinshasa and Rabat as one founded on shared principles and a common vision for a more peaceful, integrated, equitable and prosperous international order.
“I am delighted that the friendship between our two countries is built upon common, shared principles and values,” Wagner said, stressing the importance of territorial integrity, national unity, independence and sovereignty.
She said the two governments were determined to consolidate what she called the “exemplary relations” that have connected the DRC and Morocco for decades, while expanding cooperation across bilateral, regional and multilateral platforms.
Bourita, meanwhile, reiterated Morocco’s strong backing for the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying Rabat had consistently supported Kinshasa since the country gained independence.
He emphasized that Morocco’s position remains anchored in the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of states, describing them as fundamental to sustainable peace and stability across Africa.
The remarks carry particular significance as the DRC continues to confront serious security challenges in its eastern provinces, where armed conflict and regional tensions have remained major concerns for the continent.
Morocco’s position also comes as the DRC assumes a more prominent role in international diplomacy.
DRC Takes Seat on UN Security Council
The DRC began its latest two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on January 1, 2026, after winning 183 votes out of 187 ballots cast in the June 2025 election.
It is the third time the DRC has served on the 15-member Security Council, following previous mandates in 1982–1983 and 1990–1991.
The DRC’s current mandate places Kinshasa at the centre of international discussions on conflict prevention, peacekeeping, civilian protection, natural-resource governance and African security.
The African Union welcomed the election of both the DRC and Liberia, noting that their presence on the Council would strengthen African participation in global peace and security decision-making.
The DRC’s diplomatic influence was further underscored in July 2026, when it held the rotating presidency of the Security Council.
Beyond political and security cooperation, the Morocco-DRC relationship carries substantial economic potential.
The DRC is one of Africa’s largest countries by territory and population, with approximately 112.8 million people in 2025 and a gross domestic product of about US$91 billion, according to World Bank data.
Its economy grew by an estimated 5.8% in 2025.
Morocco, meanwhile, had an estimated GDP of US$182.4 billion in 2025, with economic growth of 4.6%, giving the North African kingdom one of the continent’s more diversified industrial and investment economies.
The two countries have already been exploring ways to translate their political relationship into expanded commercial and investment cooperation.
In December 2025, the DRC’s Ministry of Foreign Trade announced plans for a commercial and investment partnership with Morocco, involving Moroccan business interests and Congolese investment-promotion authorities.
Priority sectors identified for cooperation included commerce, agriculture, agro-processing, fisheries-related products and electrical equipment.
Against this backdrop, Bourita said the upcoming meeting of the Morocco-DRC Joint Commission in Kinshasa would represent an important milestone in further deepening bilateral relations.
The commission is expected to provide a platform for both governments to translate their political commitments into concrete programmes covering economic cooperation, investment, trade and other strategic sectors.
The Luanda meeting therefore comes at a pivotal moment for both countries: the DRC is seeking stronger international partnerships as it confronts complex security and development challenges, while Morocco continues to expand its diplomatic and economic engagement across Africa.
For Kinshasa and Rabat, officials said, the objective extends beyond bilateral diplomacy.
Their shared ambition is to strengthen African cooperation while advancing a rules-based international order in which sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful conflict resolution and economic development serve as pillars of continental stability.
