Tshisekedi, Denmark’s New Great Lakes Region Envoy Discuss Eastern DRC Peace

Democratic Republic of Congo President Félix Tshisekedi on Monday held a high-level meeting with Ms. Brigitte Nygaard Markussen, the newly appointed Special Representative of the Kingdom of Denmark for the Great Lakes region and the Sahel.

The two leaders focused their discussion on the persistent insecurity and humanitarian crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

At the heart of the talks were the ongoing diplomatic efforts being conducted to ease tensions in the restive east of the country including the Doha, Qatar talks between Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, and Washington, D.C., aimed at securing lasting peace in the troubled eastern provinces where Goma City was taken by M23 rebels a couple of months ago.

DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on Monday held key diplomatic talks with Ms. Brigitte Nygaard Markussen

They also discussed how Denmark can be part of those same efforts to support a ceasefire. Denmark, which currently holds a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, it appears, hopes to leverage its position to advocate for peace, security, and humanitarian protection in the DRC.

DRC’s leader and Ms. Markussen exchanged views on the progress of these negotiations and pledged their mutual commitment to supporting regional stability through dialogue and multilateral cooperation.

Ms. Markussen was accompanied by Ms. Signe Winding Albjerg, Denmark’s ambassador to Uganda, DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Madagascar, who is based in Kampala.

The Danish envoy’s visit comes at a time when the DRC continues to grapple with armed conflict, displacement, and urgent humanitarian needs, particularly in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

Denmark has been actively involved in the DRC through a range of humanitarian and peacebuilding programs. The Nordic country is a key donor to emergency relief operations, including funding for the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), which assists displaced populations in eastern DRC.

President Tshisekedi welcomed Denmark’s active role and emphasized the importance of continued international backing for regional peace initiatives, including those facilitated by partners in Qatar and the United States.