Eastern DRC stands firm: Aimé Boji rejects claims of surrendering national identity
In a powerful address to the nation, the President of the National Assembly reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between war-torn eastern provinces and the Congolese nation.
Congolese civilians detained by AFC/M23 rebels in Goma
- Security
During the closing session of the March 2026 parliamentary term, Aimé Boji Sangara delivered a stirring address that echoed through the war-torn regions of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri. Addressing both the displaced populations and international observers, he emphasized that the eastern provinces remain an indivisible part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, regardless of temporary occupation by rebel forces.
The Speaker began by honoring the resilience of internally displaced persons and refugees, whose suffering continues to weigh heavily on national conscience. Speaking directly to communities in eastern DRC, he declared:
“This is an opportunity to salute the remarkable resilience of our internally displaced brothers and sisters and refugees. Their suffering remains at the heart of our national concerns. Let me take this moment to send a message of solidarity and hope to our people in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience in the face of trials imposed by Rwandan troops and their M23 affiliates.”
In a dual-language address delivered in Swahili and French, Boji reaffirmed what he described as the sacred heritage of eastern DRC to the Congolese nation:
“North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri are and will forever remain integral parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo—a blessed gift from God and a sacred legacy bequeathed by our ancestors. We firmly believe that the illegal occupation of our eastern territories is neither permanent nor irreversible. Like all unjust situations in the history of peoples, this barbaric occupation will come to an end.”
Directly addressing those advocating for the balkanization of DRC or questioning the loyalty of populations in occupied zones, the Speaker issued a stern warning:
“To those who believe our brothers and sisters in occupied territories can renounce their national identity or conspire against the motherland, we say: you are gravely mistaken. We remain in perfect communion with them, and together we will defend—relentlessly—the national unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of our country. Indeed, our greatest weapon against adversity is not merely military strength; it is our elevated sense of patriotism, our national unity, and our resilience.”
The Speaker categorically rejected any attempts to divide or manipulate populations in eastern DRC, reaffirming the indivisible nature of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the determination of state institutions to defend every inch of national territory.
“Let those dark forces attacking our country in the East—and attempting to mislead our compatriots in occupied areas—know this: we will oppose them with an unbreakable wall of solidarity. The Democratic Republic of Congo is one, indivisible, and plural. Whether you are in Goma, Muanda, Gemena, or Lubumbashi, the blood that flows in the East is our blood. National unity is not an empty word; it is the cement of our survival and greatness. Let them understand clearly: we will defend every square millimeter of our territory.”
The situation on the ground remains critical. Despite international peace agreements such as the Washington Accord and the Doha Process—facilitated by the United States and Qatar respectively, with African Union support—violence persists. Civilian populations continue to bear the brunt of forced displacement and attacks, deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. International humanitarian funding has dwindled, leaving aid organizations struggling to respond.
While diplomatic efforts continue at regional and international levels, tangible progress remains elusive. Each party interprets peace accords according to its own narrative, rendering implementation uncertain and delayed. The gap between diplomatic commitments and ground realities widens daily.
By Clément Muamba
The Human Cost Behind the Words
Behind Boji’s uncompromising rhetoric lies a stark reality: over 60,000 people have been displaced in Ituri alone this year, with nearly 200 civilians killed in May. The eastern DRC remains trapped in a cycle of violence that shows no sign of abating, despite repeated international condemnations and peace initiatives. Aid agencies warn that funding shortfalls are forcing reductions in food distribution, medical care, and shelter programs—pushing communities deeper into vulnerability.
Local leaders and civil society organizations have long accused regional actors of complicity in prolonging the conflict. While rebel factions accuse Kinshasa of sabotaging peace efforts, the government insists it is committed to dialogue—yet military operations continue unabated in key flashpoints like Minembwe and Rutshuru. The stalemate has left millions in limbo, unsure of tomorrow’s safety or where their next meal will come from.
The international community, once vocal in its support for peace, appears divided. Some nations continue to provide military assistance to neighboring states, while others call for sanctions against rebel leaders. Yet for the families sleeping in displacement camps or under the shadow of armed checkpoints, such debates offer little comfort. Their hope rests not on distant diplomacy, but on the resilience of communities and the unyielding leadership of voices like Aimé Boji.
