The eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri continue to experience escalating armed violence, with civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict. Speaking from the floor, Boji condemned the ongoing aggression by Rwanda-backed terrorist groups, including the M23/AFC, and the brutal attacks by ADF militants that have left countless Congolese dead.

“The security situation in eastern DRC remains the primary concern of our national representation. As we conclude these sessions, our thoughts turn immediately to the east of our country,” he declared. “Rwandan aggression through the M23/AFC terrorist group, along with the horrific massacres committed by ADF terrorists, continue to spill the blood of our compatriots.”

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

“From this podium, the National Assembly once again condemns this deadly and unjust war in the strongest terms. 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 suffering populations of South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri, we say: the Nation has not forgotten you,” he affirmed.

Boji called for an immediate end to hostilities and external interference in eastern DRC, reaffirming the country’s commitment to defending its territorial integrity. Addressing Kigali directly, he urged Rwanda to recognize the inevitability of peaceful coexistence as neighbors.

“To the Rwandan aggressors and their M23/AFC proxies, 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 condemns us to be neighbors for eternity. War will only perpetuate a hatred whose price future generations will pay, while lasting peace is the only path that benefits all,” he stressed.

Despite international agreements such as the Washington Accord and the Doha process—facilitated by the United States and Qatar respectively, with AU support—the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains dire. Civilian populations continue to suffer displacement, violence, and pillaging, exacerbating an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis amid declining international aid funding.

Calls for compliance with peace commitments at national, regional, and global levels have so far yielded little progress. The gap between diplomatic progress and ground realities persists, with each party interpreting agreements according to its own terms, further complicating their implementation.

Clément Muamba