East DRC Security Crisis: A Call for Regional Peace with Rwanda

The President of the National Assembly, Aimé Boji Sangara, delivered a stern message during the closing of the March ordinary session on Monday, June 15, 2026, highlighting the persistent security crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the nation’s top priority.

From the outset of his address, Boji Sangara underscored the gravity of the situation on the ground. The National Assembly’s deep concern was palpable regarding the escalating armed violence, particularly in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces, where civilians continue to bear the brunt of the conflict’s devastating consequences.

“The security situation in the eastern part of our country remains the primary concern of the National Assembly. As we conclude these proceedings, our thoughts immediately turn to the east. The Rwandan aggression, through its M23 terrorist group, alongside the heinous massacres committed by the ADF terrorists, continues to spill the blood of our fellow citizens,” he declared.

Boji Sangara reiterated the National Assembly’s unyielding condemnation of the persistent armed violence and attacks against civilians. He paid tribute to the defense and security forces, as well as the self-defense groups fighting alongside the Congolese army.

“From this podium, the National Assembly firmly condemns this deadly and unjust war. It is also an opportunity 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 ravaged populations of South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri, we say: the Nation has not forgotten you,” he affirmed.

The President of the National Assembly issued a resolute call for an immediate halt to hostilities and external interference in the eastern DRC. He reaffirmed the DRC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its territorial integrity.

Addressing Kigali directly, Boji Sangara urged a regional awakening to the 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 cease their destabilization maneuvers, stop the plundering of our resources, and immediately halt 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 condemns us to be neighbors for eternity. War will only perpetuate a hatred whose price future generations will pay, while only lasting peace will benefit all,” he emphasized.

The security situation in the eastern DRC continues to deteriorate despite international efforts. While agreements such as the Washington Accord, brokered under the auspices of the United States, and the Doha Process, led by Qatar with African Union support, exist, along with ongoing evaluation meetings, the security and humanitarian crisis in the DRC’s eastern regions remains dire. Civilian populations across the country continue to suffer violence and forced displacement, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian situation in a global context marked by dwindling humanitarian aid funding.

Despite repeated calls at national, regional, and international levels for stakeholders to honor their peace commitments, tangible progress remains elusive. The persistent gap between diplomatic advances on paper and the harsh realities on the ground persists, as each party interprets the agreements according to its own narrative, further complicating their implementation.

Clément Muamba