Last 15th of August 2007, the Republic of Congo commemorated the 47th anniversary of its independence from France. On this occasion, the Congolese president, Denis Sassou-Nguesso, addressed the nation on the state of the country and the challenges it faces for the future. In this address, he underlined the return of peace after years of civil war and political instability and the country’s progresses (economic, social and diplomatic).

With regard to the country’s diplomatic achievements, president Sassou emphasized recent successes of the Congolese diplomacy. Among these successes, he noted the membership of the country in the UN Security Council during the past one and half year. In the same vein, the Congo has for four years continuously assumed the presidency of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Moreover, in 2006 the Congo has been chosen to preside over the African Union (AU). According to the president, all this illustrates the efficiency of the country’s external policy; an efficiency which allowed it to take back its place and role on the international scene and make its voice heard and appreciated.

The recent appointment of the Congolese former Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and of the African Union Head of the Commission to the Darfur, and therefore Head of the recently created UN-AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), illustrated the recognition of the country’s diplomacy merit. In addition, he announced that Congo will increase its contribution to peace efforts in Darfur with a supplementary company of the Congolese Armed Forces for the UNAMID that will reinforce Congolese observers already present in the region.