The President of the National Assembly, Aimé Boji Sangara, dedicated a significant portion of his address during the closing of the March ordinary session on Monday, June 15, 2026, to the alarming security situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The situation, he stressed, remains the top priority for the national representation.

From the outset, Boji highlighted the gravity of the crisis unfolding in the eastern provinces. The President of the lower house expressed the Assembly’s deep concern over the persistent armed violence, particularly in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of ongoing conflicts.

“The security situation in the east of our country remains the primary concern of the national representation. As we conclude these proceedings, our thoughts immediately turn to the east. The Rwandan aggression, coupled with the activities of the M23 terrorist group, alongside the gruesome massacres committed by ADF terrorists, continue to spill the blood of our compatriots.”

Boji reaffirmed the Assembly’s unwavering condemnation of the persistent armed violence and attacks against civilians. He also paid tribute to the defense and security forces, as well as the self-defense groups standing alongside the Congolese army.

“From this platform, the National Assembly reiterates its strongest condemnation of this unjust and deadly war. This is an opportunity to pay a vibrant and solemn tribute to our armed forces, the FARDC, and the Volontaires pour la défense de la patrie, the Wazalendo, who fight day and night at the risk of their lives. To the tormented populations of South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri, we say: the Nation has not forgotten you.”

In a particularly resolute tone, Aimé Boji Sangara called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and external interference in the eastern part of the country. He reaffirmed the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s determination to preserve its territorial integrity.

The lawmaker from Walungu in South Kivu and President of the National Assembly urged Kigali to recognize the regional necessity of prioritizing lasting peace between neighbors.

“To the Rwandan aggressors and their M23 affiliates, we say it is time for the Rwandan authorities to halt their destabilization maneuvers, cease the plundering of our resources, and immediately put an end to the extermination of our people. Neither expansionist ambitions nor violence will succeed in undermining our sovereignty. No portion of our territory can be ceded. Rwanda must understand that geography binds us as eternal neighbors. War will only perpetuate a hatred that future generations will pay for, and only lasting peace will benefit all.”

The security situation in this part of the country continues to deteriorate. Despite the Washington Agreement, brokered under the auspices of the United States, the Doha process led by Qatar with the support of the African Union, and the succession of evaluation meetings, the security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo remains dire. Civilians across the country continue to be the primary victims of violence and forced displacement, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in a global context marked by declining funding for humanitarian aid.

In response to this situation, voices have risen at the national, regional, and international levels, calling on stakeholders to honor their commitments under peace initiatives. However, these appeals have, thus far, yielded little tangible effect. The objective of bridging the persistent gap between ground realities and diplomatic advances remains elusive. Each party continues to interpret the provisions of the agreements according to its own reading, rendering their implementation increasingly uncertain.