DR Congo vows not to surrender

By The Inspirer.

The President of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, reaffirmed that his country remains resolute in defending its sovereignty and confronting M23 rebels, vowing never to bow to the enemy.

He made this statement during the opening ceremony of the March parliamentary session of the DRC National Assembly.

Sama Lukonde emphasized that while the government is following the mediation efforts in Nairobi and Luanda aimed at restoring peace in eastern DRC, there are red lines that cannot be crossed.

These agreements include the disarmament of over 200 armed groups operating in the country, ensuring full security for Congolese citizens who speak Kinyarwanda, and stopping their arbitrary killings. The agreements also stipulate that M23 fighters should be integrated into the Congolese army or reintegrated into civilian life through legal processes.

However, President Félix Tshisekedi has suggested that some agreements are no longer relevant, arguing that the only valid framework is the Luanda process, led by Angolan President João Lourenço.

In September 2024, he criticized the Nairobi agreements, claiming they were poorly managed by Kenyan President William Ruto, whom he accused of siding with Rwanda.

“There were initially two agreements: the Nairobi process, mediated by Uhuru Kenyatta, which did not progress and can almost be considered dead, and the Luanda agreements, which I believe still hold value,” Tshisekedi said.

Sama Lukonde reiterated that the DRC would not tolerate border violations or territorial occupations, stating that M23 must retreat to its original positions.

He sent a warning to what he described as the country’s enemies, asserting that the DRC would never weaken or back down from its struggle.

“We will never negotiate the territorial integrity of our country,” he declared.

He also accused certain foreign countries and international organizations of collaborating with armed groups to exploit the DRC’s natural resources.

The former Prime Minister expressed confidence that UN Security Council Resolution 2773 would compel M23 to cease hostilities and force Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congolese territory.

“I call on the international community to ensure the implementation of this resolution because our people’s suffering demands concrete and urgent action,” he urged.

Lukonde assured that the National Assembly would closely monitor the implementation of this resolution and uphold international agreements aimed at restoring lasting peace in the DRC.

His remarks came as fighting continues in North and South Kivu, where M23 has seized key areas, including Nyabiondo and large parts of Walikale.

Meanwhile, on March 17, 2025, foreign ministers from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) reviewed military reports on the ceasefire and humanitarian aid efforts.

On Tuesday, March 18, direct talks between Kinshasa and M23 are scheduled to take place in Luanda under Angola’s mediation.

Speaking to Reuters on March 16, 2025, President Tshisekedi’s spokesperson, Tina Salama, confirmed that the DRC would participate in these talks but declined to disclose the names of the government delegation heading to Luanda.