In a powerful address marking the close of the March 2026 ordinary session, National Assembly President Aimé Boji Sangara delivered a resolute message to the people of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), emphasizing the unbreakable bond between occupied territories and the nation’s unity.

Addressing internally displaced persons and refugees first, he acknowledged their ongoing suffering while expressing solidarity with populations in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. These regions have faced relentless violence attributed to Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 rebels.

“This is an opportunity to salute the remarkable resilience of our internally displaced compatriots and refugees. Their suffering remains at the heart of national concerns. I take this moment to send a message of solidarity and hope to our brothers and sisters in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri who continue demonstrating resilience and resistance in the face of trials imposed by Rwandan troops and their AFC/M23 auxiliaries,” he declared in both Swahili and French.

Unwavering National Belonging

Boji firmly rejected any suggestion that populations in occupied territories might renounce their Congolese identity. He reaffirmed the indelible connection between eastern DRC and the DRC as a whole, describing the region as “a blessed gift and sacred inheritance from our ancestors.”

“We are certain that the illegal occupation of our eastern territories is neither permanent nor irreversible. Like all unjust situations in history, this barbaric occupation will come to an end,” he stated.

Warning Against Divisive Forces

Directing his remarks to those advocating for the country’s balkanization, Boji issued a stern warning against any attempts to undermine national unity or the belonging of populations in occupied zones. He emphasized the continuity of the national link despite current security challenges.

“This is the moment to clearly tell all who believe our brothers and sisters in occupied territories might abandon their national allegiance or conspire against the nation that they are mistaken. We remain in perfect communion with them and continue together, relentlessly, to defend national unity, territorial integrity, and our country’s sovereignty. Indeed, our greatest weapon against adversity is not merely military—it is above all our elevated sense of patriotism, our national unity, and our resilience,” he asserted.

He categorically rejected any attempts to divide or instrumentalize eastern DRC populations, reaffirming the indivisibility of the DRC and the institutions’ determination to defend every inch of national territory.

“Let those dark forces attacking our country in the East and attempting to mislead our compatriots in occupied areas know that we will oppose them with an unbreakable wall of solidarity. The DRC is one, indivisible, and plural. Whether you are in Goma, Muanda, Gemena, or Lubumbashi, the blood flowing in the East is ours. National unity is not an empty word—it is the cement of our survival and greatness. Let them know well that we will defend every square millimeter of our territory,” he concluded.

Persistent Security Challenges

Despite international diplomatic efforts including the Washington Agreement under US auspices and the Doha process led by Qatar with AU support, the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains dire. Civilian populations continue bearing the brunt of violence and forced displacement, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis amid declining international funding for aid.

While calls for peace persist at national, regional, and international levels, implementation gaps remain significant. Each party continues interpreting agreement provisions according to its own reading, rendering practical implementation increasingly uncertain.

By Clément Muamba