Sassou N'Guesso meets Macron to discuss Great Lakes security
Congolese President Denis Sassou N'Guesso met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace on September 9 2026. The closed-door talks focused on armed clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and related border tensions. Both leaders stressed the need to prevent wider destabilization across the Central African region and the CEMAC zone.
Élysée Palace, Paris — French President Emmanuel Macron alongside Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso and Dr Françoise Joly. — Sassou N'Guesso meets Macron to discuss Great Lakes security
Meeting at the Élysée Palace
The two heads of state engaged in private discussions concerning the persistent armed clashes in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the attendant border tensions. A consensus was reached regarding the imperative to avert a broader destabilization that could imperil the wider Central African region.
Shared assessment of risks
Both delegations acknowledged the significant humanitarian and economic repercussions stemming from the ongoing hostilities. These consequences notably include disruptions to cross-border trade and population displacement. Emphasis was placed on the utility of diplomatic avenues over exclusively military interventions.
— Présidence de la République du Congo - Officiel (@PR_Congo) September 9, 2026
Role of Congo as facilitator
Given its established diplomatic conduits with various regional capitals, the Republic of Congo is perceived by France as a valuable intermediary. The recent meeting underscored continued endorsement for mediation efforts aligned with the frameworks established by the Luanda and Nairobi processes.
Protection of the Congo River corridor
The preservation of stability along the shared riverine border with Kinshasa was delineated as a critical priority. Concerns were raised that any escalation or spillover of the conflict could impede vital transport routes and exert an adverse impact on the broader economy of the CEMAC zone.
Next steps in coordination
Both nations expressed their intention to harmonize their diplomatic postures at the United Nations and within the European Union, with the objective of fostering negotiated resolutions to the prevailing regional challenges.
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