DRC Ratifies Hydrocarbon Cooperation Agreement with Uganda
Following approval by both the National Assembly and Senate during the September session, Law No. 24/022 of December 30, 2024, authorizing the ratification of a cooperation agreement on the exploitation of hydrocarbons and joint deposits between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has been promulgated by President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi.
The announcement was made on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, through a series of orders broadcast on national television (RTNC).
This ratified agreement, signed in Kampala on June 23, 1990, and January 25, 2008, was presented by Minister of Hydrocarbons, Aimé Molendo Sakombi.
During its adoption at the 23rd Council of Ministers meeting on November 22, 2024, Minister Molendo emphasized the importance of preventing any unilateral actions by Uganda, especially given the advanced phase of hydrocarbon exploitation in the shared deposits along the border.
Article 4 of the agreement ensures that any common deposit will be developed and exploited jointly, as an indivisible entity.
In the government report, Molendo Sakombi explained, “By ratifying this cooperation agreement, our country seeks to promote systematic geophysical activities and oil exploration within the probable Zone of Common Interest (ZIC) with Uganda.
This ratification is crucial for implementing recommendations from the Ngurdoto Agreement, signed in Tanzania on September 8, 2007, focusing on bilateral cooperation.”
Since President Tshisekedi’s assumption of office, the DRC has enjoyed stable and productive relations with Uganda under President Yoweri Museveni.
Their collaboration extends beyond economic agreements, including joint security efforts where the DRC’s FARDC and Uganda’s UPDF are jointly combating the ADF in the eastern DRC, specifically in North Kivu and Ituri.
The ratification complies with Article 214, paragraph 1 of the DRC Constitution, which mandates that peace treaties, trade treaties, international agreements, and those involving public finances or territorial changes must be ratified by law.
