eastern DRC stands firm against Rwanda’s aggression amid rising tensions

The President of the National Assembly, Aimé Boji Sangara, used his closing address for the March ordinary session on Monday, June 15, 2026, to sharply condemn the ongoing security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), calling it the nation’s top priority.

From the outset, he underscored the gravity of the situation on the ground. The Speaker emphasized the Assembly’s deep concern over the persistent armed violence in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of these conflicts.

“The security situation in the eastern part of our country remains the National Assembly’s primary concern. As we conclude these proceedings, our thoughts immediately turn eastward. Rwandan aggression, through its terrorist proxy M23, alongside the heinous massacres carried out by ADF militants, continues to spill Congolese blood,” he declared.

unwavering condemnation of violence and solidarity with defenders

Boji reiterated the Assembly’s firm condemnation of ongoing armed violence and attacks targeting civilians. He paid tribute to the defense and security forces, as well as local self-defense groups fighting alongside the Congolese army.

“From this podium, the National Assembly reiterates its strongest condemnation of this unjust and deadly war. It is also time to pay a vibrant and solemn tribute to our armed forces, the FARDC, and the Wazalendo volunteers, who fight day and night at the risk of their lives. To the battered populations of South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri, we say: the Nation has not forgotten you,” he stated.

a call for immediate cessation of hostilities and regional accountability

In a particularly firm tone, Aimé Boji Sangara demanded an immediate halt to hostilities and foreign interference in eastern DRC. He reaffirmed the DRC’s determination to safeguard its territorial integrity.

The lawmaker from Walungu in South Kivu urged Kigali to recognize the inescapable reality of regional coexistence and prioritize lasting peace between neighbors.

“To the Rwandan aggressors and their M23 proxies, we say it is time for the Rwandan leadership to cease its destabilization tactics, stop plundering our resources, and immediately halt the extermination of our people. Neither expansionist ambitions nor violence will ever succeed in undermining our sovereignty. No part of our territory can be surrendered. Rwanda must understand that geography condemns us to be neighbors forever. War will only perpetuate a hatred whose price will be paid by future generations, while lasting peace is the only path to mutual prosperity,” he asserted.

persistent crisis despite diplomatic efforts

Despite the Washington Agreement, brokered under U.S. auspices, and the Doha process, led by Qatar with African Union support, alongside ongoing evaluation meetings, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains dire. Civilian populations across the country continue to suffer violence and forced displacement, worsening an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis amid declining international funding for aid.

While calls for peace continue to rise at national, regional, and international levels, these appeals have yet to yield tangible results. The gap between diplomatic progress on paper and on-the-ground realities persists, as each party interprets agreements through its own lens, rendering their implementation increasingly uncertain.

Clément Muamba