eastern DRC: Boji warns against abandoning national unity in occupied zones

The President of the National Assembly, Aimé Boji Sangara, has reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between the people of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the rest of the nation, even in the face of ongoing armed conflicts and territorial occupation.

During a speech marking the close of the March 2026 ordinary session, he paid tribute to internally displaced persons and refugees, whose humanitarian struggles continue to weigh heavily on national conscience. Addressing the populations of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri—regions grappling with the presence of foreign-backed armed groups—he delivered a message of solidarity and resilience.

“This is an opportunity to honor the remarkable resilience of our internally displaced and refugee compatriots. Their suffering remains at the heart of our national priorities. I wish to send a message of solidarity and hope to our brothers and sisters in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary strength and resistance in the face of trials imposed by Rwandan troops and their allies, including the AFC/M23.”

In a bilingual address—delivered in Swahili and French—Boji Sangara reasserted the permanent status of eastern DRC as an integral part of the national territory. He dismissed the notion of occupation as anything other than a temporary injustice destined to end.

“North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri are and will forever remain inseparable parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo—a sacred heritage bequeathed by our ancestors. We firmly believe that the illegal occupation plaguing our eastern regions is neither permanent nor irreversible. Like all unjust situations in the history of peoples, this barbaric occupation will come to an end.”

The Assembly President directly addressed those advocating for the country’s division or the abandonment of national unity by populations under occupation. He warned against any narrative that suggests Congolese citizens in affected areas could renounce their national identity or collaborate against the state.

“To those who believe our brothers and sisters living in occupied territories can surrender their national belonging or conspire against the nation, I say: you are mistaken. We remain in perfect communion with them, united in our unwavering defense of national unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Our greatest weapon is not merely military—it is our deep patriotism, our national unity, and our resilience.”

Boji Sangara categorically rejected any attempt to divide or manipulate the populations of eastern DRC. He emphasized the indivisibility of the nation and the commitment of state institutions to defend every inch of national territory.

“Let the 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 spilled in the east is our blood. National unity is not a hollow phrase—it is the foundation of our survival and greatness. They must understand that we will defend every square millimeter of our land.”

Despite diplomatic efforts—including the Washington Agreement and the Doha Process under Qatari and African Union auspices—the security and humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC persists. Civilian populations remain the primary victims of violence and forced displacement, further destabilizing an already dire humanitarian landscape. International funding for aid has dwindled, exacerbating the plight of millions.

Calls for peace from national, regional, and global stakeholders continue, yet tangible progress remains elusive. The disconnect between diplomatic commitments and ground realities persists, with each party interpreting agreements through its own lens, undermining their effective implementation.

Clément Muamba