At UN, Kinshasa Stresses POW Protections and Fate of African Foreign Fighters

New York, August 10, 2026 - During an Arria formula meeting at the United Nations, Jocelyne Kabengele Lukundula, the Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), emphasized the urgent need for the protection of prisoners of war (POWs) and the plight of African foreign fighters. She asserted that the dignity of individuals should not be subordinated to political agendas, highlighting the necessity for humanitarian considerations in conflict situations. Kabengele Lukundula welcomed recent exchanges of POWs but expressed deep concern for African nationals who find themselves trapped in conflict zones due to economic vulnerabilities.

The DRC's experience in the Great Lakes region, according to Kabengele Lukundula, illustrates the severe consequences civilians face when protections erode. She reiterated the obligation under international humanitarian law (DIH) to safeguard all individuals affected by armed conflict, stressing that a military solution is not viable. The meeting underscored the importance of addressing the humanitarian needs of those caught in the crossfire, particularly as the international community grapples with the complexities of modern warfare and the involvement of foreign fighters.