In his address, Sama Lukonde emphasized two critical priorities: combating climate change and addressing the security crisis in eastern DRC. Aligning with President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi’s vision, he underscored the DRC’s strategic ecological role.

“Our country naturally stands as a true ‘solution country'” he declared, highlighting the Congo Basin’s global importance as the world’s second-largest tropical forest and its unparalleled biodiversity.

He also spotlighted the Kivu-Kinshasa Green Corridor initiative, a 500,000 km² project aimed at bolstering global climate efforts. Despite these commitments, he lamented the international community’s insufficient response to the magnitude of environmental challenges.

The Senate President further condemned what he described as Rwanda’s unjust aggression against the DRC through its proxy forces, the M23-AFC, which he argued has caused severe human and ecological damage. According to his remarks, armed conflicts not only result in loss of life and mass displacements but also degrade ecosystems, destroy wildlife, and pollute water resources.

“One cannot claim to ensure climate balance while, through war, systematically plundering and destroying natural resources,” he asserted.

Sama Lukonde called on Francophonie members to support peace efforts and implement the Washington agreements. He advocated for a Franco-phone climate pact rooted in solidarity and better addressing the needs of communities living near forested areas. He also announced the DRC’s support for Julianna Lumumba’s candidacy for the Francophonie leadership.

The APF session, organized by Cameroon’s APF section, included discussions across permanent commissions and networks on political, democratic, economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues facing the Francophonie space. The 11th edition of the Francophone Youth Parliament (PFJ) was held concurrently, bringing together 61 young delegates from 29 Francophone sections and partner organizations like the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) and the Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF).