Defence Committee Vice-Chair Criticises Extended State Of Siege

Kinshasa, August 6, 2026 - Carly Nzanzu Kasivita, Vice-Chair of the Defence Committee in the National Assembly, criticised the continued state of siege in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, warning that it should not become a permanent mode of governance.

Speaking on August 5, Kasivita called for clear "exit devices" to restore normal civilian administration. He said the lack of democratic control over military executives weakens accountability within the armed forces.

On August 6, he also criticised parliament's limited operational oversight of the Allied Democratic Forces conflict. He said lawmakers cannot directly summon military chiefs of staff and must instead work through the Minister of Defence.

The remarks highlight growing concern in Kinshasa over the balance between emergency security measures and civilian oversight in the east, where the ADF remains a major destabilising force.