KINSHASA, 24 March 2026 (TATOLI) –A high-level delegation from the g7+, led by Secretary-General Helder da Costa, met with Gaston Osango, Chief of Staff at the Ministry of Justice of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Osango received the delegation on behalf of the Minister of Justice, who is currently on official mission in Brussels.
During the meeting, the Secretary-General expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s engagement and reaffirmed the DRC’s important role as a founding member of the g7+. He noted that, following the 6th g7+ Ministerial Meeting in Timor-Leste, the DRC alongside Liberia was appointed Deputy Chair of the g7+ for the 2026–2027 term. This appointment reflects the country’s growing leadership both within the group and on the global stage, including its active role at the United Nations.
The delegation briefed the Ministry on recent developments, including a High-Level Meeting held on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, where member states endorsed the New York Consensus and officially launched the Rapid Advisory Response Centre. The Centre provides legal and technical assistance to member countries, particularly in complex negotiations related to natural resource management. In this context, the Secretary-General proposed the designation of a focal point within the Ministry of Justice to facilitate coordination and identify legal cases where the g7+ Foundation could provide support.
Discussions also focused on strengthening national capacity in managing natural resources and improving the justice system through peer learning and knowledge-sharing among g7+ member states.
On behalf of the Minister, Osango welcomed the initiative, noting that the priorities outlined by the g7+ align closely with the Government’s ongoing reform agenda. These include renegotiating resource agreements, reinforcing anti-corruption measures, and developing new legal frameworks on transparency and conflict of interest. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and peer exchange, describing the g7+ as a vital platform for countries facing similar challenges to share experiences and solutions.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cooperation between the Ministry of Justice and the g7+, particularly through strengthened technical coordination, expanded peer learning, and effective use of the Rapid Advisory Response Centre to promote good governance and ensure that natural resources contribute to sustainable national development.
Journalist: Digna Serrão
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
