Libreville, Paris, 20 August 2025 – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially agreed to assume, following Gabon, the co-facilitation of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) for the period 2026–2027.
This decision was announced by H.E. Mrs. Ève Bazaïba Masudi, Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of the DRC.
Since 2023, the CBFP has been operating under a North–South co-facilitation model, successfully inaugurated by Gabon and France. After this positive first experience, the DRC will now take on the Southern co-facilitation role, succeeding Gabon. The Northern partner to succeed France has yet to be confirmed.
During this period, particularly at the 20th Meeting of the Parties to the CBFP, held in June 2024 in Kinshasa, DRC, the co-facilitation by France and Gabon marked a significant milestone and a decisive turning point. It strengthened cooperation among Partnership members and promoted enhanced forest governance, with a strong focus on resource mobilization and the protection of this exceptional natural heritage.
The DRC took this opportunity to express its deep appreciation to Gabon for the work carried out in the service of the CBFP. It particularly acknowledged the commitment and professionalism of Ambassador Dr. Aurélie Flore Koumba Pambo, whose tenure contributed to strengthening the international visibility of the Congo Basin forests.
For this new mandate, the DRC has designated Professor Joseph Longunza Malassi as incoming Co-Facilitator of the CBFP for the period 2026–2027. The handover from Gabon will officially take place during the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30), scheduled for 10–21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil.
The participation of the incoming Co-Facilitator in the preparatory work leading up to COP30 will help ensure a smooth transition and continue, together with all partners, the efforts in favor of the Congo Basin forests.
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