Crisis in Eastern DRC: Sama Lukonde Urges African Parliaments to Show Greater Solidarity

Kinshasa, November 21, 2025 - At the opening of the 47th Conference of Speakers of African Parliaments, President of the Congolese Senate Sama Lukonde called on legislators across Africa to demonstrate stronger solidarity in addressing the ongoing insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Describing the situation as a “silent genocide”, Lukonde highlighted the toll of millions of deaths and nearly 7 million displaced persons, stressing the urgent need for a coordinated continental response. He urged African parliamentary bodies to actively support ongoing peace initiatives, including those led in Washington and Doha, while advocating for parliaments to serve as “laboratories of solutions” tailored to African realities.

In response, the African Parliamentary Union (APU), represented by Vice-President Abdoul Esikiye, reaffirmed its solidarity with populations affected by humanitarian crises in both the DRC and Sudan.

The conference, held as part of the 84th session of the APU Executive Committee, concluded with a commitment to strengthen continental parliamentary cooperation and enhance unified action in addressing Africa’s security and humanitarian challenges.