Eastern DRC voices unwavering stance: geography binds neighbors forever, not conflict
An urgent call from the heart of Congo’s crisis
The President of the National Assembly, Aimé Boji Sangara, delivered a powerful address during the closing of the March 2026 ordinary session that echoed across the nation. His words resonated most strongly in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where ongoing armed violence continues to devastate civilian lives.
With unshaken resolve, he emphasized that the security situation in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri remains the gravest concern for the national representation. The relentless attacks by foreign-backed armed groups, including Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23-affiliated AFC, and the brutal campaigns by the ADF, have left countless civilians dead and displaced.
A plea for peace amid relentless aggression
In his address, Aimé Boji Sangara vehemently condemned the persistent violence and the targeting of innocent civilians. He paid tribute to the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the Wazalendo self-defense volunteers, who stand on the front lines, risking their lives daily to protect the nation.
His message was clear and resolute: “The National Assembly unconditionally condemns this unjust and deadly war. We stand in solemn tribute to our armed forces and the Wazalendo volunteers, who fight tirelessly against all odds. To the suffering people of South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri, we assure you: the nation has not forgotten you.”
Geographic reality over territorial ambition
The President of the National Assembly did not mince words when addressing Rwanda. He urged Kigali to recognize the unbreakable geographic bond that ties the two nations as eternal neighbors. “To the Rwandan aggressors and their M23 affiliates, we issue a final warning: cease your destabilization tactics, stop the plundering of our resources, and end the extermination of our people,” he declared.
He stressed that no amount of expansionist ambition or violence could undermine the DRC’s sovereignty. “No parcel of our territory will ever be surrendered. The Rwanda must acknowledge that geography binds us as neighbors for eternity. War only perpetuates a cycle of hatred whose consequences will be borne by future generations. Only lasting peace will bring prosperity to both our nations.”
The humanitarian toll of unending conflict
Despite international diplomatic efforts, including the Washington Agreement brokered under U.S. auspices and the Doha Process facilitated by Qatar with African Union support, the security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate. Civilians remain the primary victims, facing forced displacement, violence, and a collapsing humanitarian aid infrastructure.
Calls for peace from national and international actors have yet to translate into tangible action. The persistent gap between diplomatic progress and ground realities highlights the fragility of peace initiatives, as conflicting interpretations of agreements hinder their implementation.
A nation united in defiance
The National Assembly’s stance reflects a broader national sentiment: the DRC will defend its territorial integrity at all costs. The international community’s role in facilitating a lasting resolution has never been more critical, but the path forward demands immediate and decisive action to halt the violence and restore peace to the region.
The people of eastern DRC, long-suffering and resilient, continue to look to their leaders and the world for a future where peace, not conflict, defines their daily lives.
