Democratic Republic of Congo highlights ecological crisis amid regional tensions at Yaoundé assembly

The 51st Session of the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly (APF) took place in Yaoundé from July 6 to 11, 2026. This gathering brought together over 300 parliamentarians from 42 sections representing national, subnational, and interparliamentary organizations within the Francophonie community.

Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, President of the Senate of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), used this platform to emphasize the country’s pivotal role in global environmental preservation. His address focused on two critical issues: combating climate change and addressing the security challenges plaguing the eastern regions of the DRC.

DRC positions itself as a ‘solution country’ in climate action

Sama Lukonde underscored the DRC’s natural advantages in tackling climate change, positioning the country as a ‘solution country.’ He highlighted the Congo Basin—home to the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest—and the nation’s unparalleled biodiversity as key assets in global environmental efforts.

The Senator also pointed to the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor project, spanning over 500,000 km², as a testament to the DRC’s commitment to international climate goals. However, he criticized the international community for its insufficient support in addressing the DRC’s environmental challenges.

Ecological devastation linked to regional conflicts

Beyond climate action, Sama Lukonde condemned the ecological fallout from decades of armed conflicts in the DRC, particularly those fueled by external aggression. He accused Rwanda of perpetuating instability in eastern DRC through its alleged support for the M23-AFC armed group, warning of the severe environmental repercussions:

• Human and ecological toll: Mass displacements, loss of life, and destruction of natural habitats.
• Pollution and degradation: Contamination of water sources, deforestation, and loss of wildlife.
• Climate impact: War-driven exploitation of natural resources undermines global climate stabilization efforts.

« No climate balance can be achieved while war ravages and plunders natural resources on a massive scale, » Sama Lukonde declared.

He called on Francophonie members to take concrete action in supporting peace initiatives and implementing the Washington Accords to mitigate these crises.

Plea for a united Francophonie climate pact

The Senate President advocated for a Francophonie Climate Pact, emphasizing solidarity and tailored support for communities living near forest zones. He also announced the DRC’s endorsement of Julianna Lumumba’s candidacy for the Francophonie leadership.

The APF session, co-organized by Cameroon’s APF section and the Francophonie Parliamentary Assembly, included discussions in permanent commissions and youth-focused events like the 11th Francophonie Youth Parliament (PFJ). This edition gathered 61 young delegates from 29 Francophonie sections, alongside representatives from the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).

Clément Muamba