The Democratic Republic of the Congo has reiterated its decision to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, becoming the latest country to announce such plans following a presidential visit, according to an AFP report published on September 3, 2026. President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi visited Israel, prompting both governments to issue a joint statement on Thursday confirming they will take steps toward relocating the diplomatic mission from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Diplomatic Context and Historical Timeline of DRC-Israel Relations
The newly announced relocation revives a commitment originally made by President Tshisekedi in September 2023, when he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. According to the reporting, bilateral ties have gradually expanded over recent years. In 2020, President Tshisekedi announced plans to appoint an ambassador to Israel after a two-decade gap, alongside establishing an economic section of the embassy in Jerusalem while keeping the main diplomatic office in Tel Aviv. Further cementing ties, Israeli President Isaac Herzog traveled to the DRC capital of Kinshasa in November.
President Tshisekedi has expressed warm sentiments regarding Israel for years, attributing his diplomatic stance largely to his Christian faith. Additionally, analysts note that the Congolese leader has sought diplomatic backing from the United States, which has applied increasing pressure on Rwanda concerning armed rebel advances within the DRC.
Did You Know? President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi’s decision to relocate the embassy builds upon a prior commitment made during his September 2023 meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Global Realignments and the Status of Jerusalem
The DRC’s announcement follows a similar move by Colombia’s newly elected hard-right president, Abelardo de la Espriella, who stated weeks prior that his country would also shift its embassy to Jerusalem. That decision marked a sharp reversal from his leftist predecessor, who openly criticized Israel over its military campaign in Gaza. Following the landmark decision by the United States to move its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 under President Donald Trump, only a small cohort of nations—including Fiji, Guatemala, Honduras, Papua New Guinea, and Paraguay—have followed suit. Meanwhile, non-UN member entities Kosovo and Somaliland maintain missions they categorize as embassies within the city.
Expert Insight: While a handful of nations have aligned with Washington and Jerusalem by shifting their embassies, the vast majority of the international community maintains diplomatic missions in Tel Aviv. This broad adherence stems from the long-standing consensus that Jerusalem’s ultimate status must be resolved through direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians, as affirmed by UN Security Council positions rejecting unilateral alterations to the city’s status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the Democratic Republic of the Congo announce regarding its embassy in Israel?
According to reports, the DRC announced it will take steps to relocate its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem following a visit to Israel by President Felix-Antoine Tshisekedi.
When did the DRC first indicate plans regarding Jerusalem?
The current plan revives a commitment made in September 2023 during a meeting between President Tshisekedi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the United Nations General Assembly. In 2020, the DRC also announced plans to appoint an ambassador after two decades and set up an economic section in Jerusalem.
How does the international community view embassies in Jerusalem?
Most countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Israel keep their embassies in Tel Aviv, arguing that Jerusalem’s final status should be settled through Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. The UN Security Council has rejected measures attempting to alter Jerusalem’s status and urged nations to withhold establishing diplomatic missions there.
How might this wave of diplomatic shifts alter broader international negotiations concerning the status of Jerusalem in the coming years?