DRC Government Spokesperson Says Eastern Conflict Represents Only a ‘Small Portion’ of National Territory

KINSHASA - Democratic Republic of Congo Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya Katembwe has described the ongoing conflict in the eastern part of the country as a “minor issue” when viewed in relation to the nation’s vast territory.

Eastern DRC has endured decades of insecurity fueled by the presence of hundreds of armed groups, with violence intensifying in November 2021 when M23 rebels resumed fighting, accusing President Félix Tshisekedi of failing to implement commitments made during earlier peace negotiations.

Speaking to reporters on November 26, 2025, Muyaya said the scale of the conflict is often misunderstood.

He argued that although the situation is serious, it affects only a limited portion of the country:“I don’t want to downplay the crisis because it concerns us all, but what percentage does it represent out of 2,345,410 square kilometers?”

Muyaya added that many people mistakenly believe the entire country is engulfed in conflict, whereas the violence is concentrated in a specific region.

His comments echo earlier remarks by Jules Alingete, the former Auditor General, who in April 2022 stated that the fighting in the east had not significantly impacted the rest of the country because it was taking place nearly 2,000 kilometers from Kinshasa.

Alingete made those comments at a time when heavy clashes were ongoing in Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu, where government forces were struggling to hold their positions.