Defence Committee Vice-Chair Criticises Endless State of Siege and Weak ADF Oversight

Kinshasa, DRC, August 6, 2026 - Carly Nzanzu Kasivita, Vice-Chair of the Defence Committee in the Congolese National Assembly, expressed strong concerns regarding the ongoing state of siege in the eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). On August 5, he stated that the state of siege should not be a permanent governance mode but rather a temporary measure, emphasizing the need for "exit devices" to ensure a return to normalcy. He highlighted the lack of democratic control over military executives, which he believes undermines the accountability of the armed forces.

On August 6, Kasivita further criticized the parliament's limited operational control over the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) conflict. He pointed out that the assembly cannot directly summon military chiefs of staff, relying instead on exchanges with the Minister of Defence. This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of military oversight and the ability of elected officials to influence military strategy. Kasivita's remarks come as the DRC continues to grapple with security challenges in the eastern regions, where the ADF remains a significant threat to stability.