‘We Keep on Talking’: Congolese Envoy Wants Action on Global Conflicts

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's permanent representative to the United Nations, Zénon Mukongo Ngay, has expressed deep frustration over the lack of tangible progress in addressing global conflicts during a recent exclusive interview with PassBlue. Speaking on July 9, 2026, Ngay highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the international community, particularly within the framework of the United Nations Security Council. His comments came amid growing concerns about the effectiveness of the UN in resolving pressing global issues. Ngay emphasized the role of the three elected African members in the Security Council, known as A3, which includes representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Africa, and Nigeria. He noted that these nations have been working together to advocate for more equitable representation and decision-making power within the Council. The discussions also touched upon the anticipated addition of Trinidad and Tobago as a new Council member, set to join as a “plus” partner starting next year. This development could potentially shift the balance of influence among the Council's members. The conversation delved into the increasing pressures on the UN system, including calls for reforming the Security Council itself. Ngay pointed out that many countries are pushing for changes to make the Council more reflective of today’s geopolitical landscape. Alongside these demands, there are significant financial constraints affecting the operations of the UN. Budget cuts threaten the organization's ability to carry out its mandate effectively, especially in regions experiencing conflict or humanitarian crises. Multilingualism remains another critical issue within the UN structure. As the organization continues to operate in six official languages—English, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, and Arabic—there is concern about the potential marginalization of some languages due to resource limitations. Ngay stressed the importance of maintaining linguistic diversity to ensure inclusivity and effective communication across all member states. During his remarks, Ngay was candid about the perceived shortcomings of the Security Council. He stated, “We keep on talking, talking, talking, but at the end of the day, there are no solutions.” This sentiment reflects a broader dissatisfaction among many nations regarding the Council’s inability to produce concrete resolutions to ongoing conflicts around the world. Despite numerous diplomatic efforts and negotiations, the outcomes often fall short of expectations, leading to frustration among both member states and affected populations. Reactions to Ngay’s statements varied. Some diplomats welcomed his openness, viewing it as a necessary step toward acknowledging the systemic flaws within the UN apparatus. Others were more cautious, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue rather than criticism. Nevertheless, the call for action resonated with many who believe that meaningful change requires a reevaluation of how decisions are made and implemented within the Council. Looking ahead, several initiatives are being considered to address the criticisms raised by Ngay and others. These include proposals for expanding the number of Security Council members, enhancing transparency in decision-making processes, and securing additional funding to support the UN’s operations. The inclusion of Trinidad and Tobago as a new Council member is expected to bring fresh perspectives and potentially influence future policies. As the international community grapples with these complex issues, the focus remains on finding ways to strengthen the UN’s role in promoting peace and security globally. The voices of representatives like Ngay serve as reminders of the urgent need for reform and renewed commitment to the principles that underpin the United Nations. With the upcoming changes in Council composition, there is hope that new opportunities will emerge to address longstanding challenges and foster greater cooperation among member states.