M23 Rebels Move to Set Up Civilian Administration in Goma

Goma, DRC – The leader of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and political head of the M23 rebel movement, Corneille Nangaa, has declared an end to the state of siege in North Kivu and announced plans to establish a civil administration in the coming days.

His statement comes after M23/AFC forces captured Goma and are reportedly advancing toward Bukavu, with their ultimate objective being a march on Kinshasa to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi.

Speaking at a press conference in Goma, Nangaa stated that M23 is taking steps to normalize governance in the region and restore order under its control.

“We are going to work with the officials that we found here in Goma, we are going to work with the banks that we found here in Goma,” Nangaa said. “You journalists have the right to correct us and to denounce us.”

Siege

Nangaa also hinted that the state of siege in neighboring Ituri province would soon be lifted under M23’s authority, signaling an expansion of their control in eastern DRC.

The latest developments indicate that M23/AFC forces are pressing forward with their offensive, raising concerns of a broader destabilization in the region. 

Reports suggest that after securing Goma, the rebels are moving toward Bukavu, with their sights set on Kinshasa.

If M23 succeeds in capturing Bukavu, it would mark a significant strategic gain, as the city serves as a key gateway to the rest of the country. 

Nangaa’s rhetoric suggests that the movement views its campaign not just as a territorial expansion but as a push to overthrow Tshisekedi’s government.

Institutional Collapse

In a direct attack on President Félix Tshisekedi, Nangaa accused him of dismantling key state institutions and ruling through fear.

“Tshisekedi destroyed the army, he destroyed the police, he destroyed the administration and above all, he cannibalized justice by instrumentalizing it,” Nangaa declared. “He installed terror to silence everyone who has an opinion contrary to him.”

His statements reflect M23’s growing defiance and its positioning as an alternative to Tshisekedi’s rule, further fueling tensions between the rebel movement and Kinshasa.

Adding to concerns over the rebel advance, Nangaa confirmed that captured Congolese soldiers from the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) would be integrated into M23’s ranks to strengthen their military operations.

“These soldiers will be reintegrated into our ranks and will help us in the mission we have undertaken,” he announced.

The move is expected to provoke outrage in Kinshasa, where the government has repeatedly accused M23 of working as a proxy for Rwanda. The absorption of FARDC troops into M23 could also weaken government forces further, complicating efforts to push back against the rebellion.

Direct Challenge 

Nangaa’s declaration of a civilian administration in Goma, combined with M23/AFC’s reported plans to advance toward Bukavu and eventually Kinshasa, represents a direct and unprecedented challenge to Tshisekedi’s authority.

With SADC peacekeeping forces (SAMIDRC) and UN troops present, the coming days are likely to determine whether Kinshasa can contain the rebellion or if M23’s campaign will escalate into an all-out push toward the capital.

While Nangaa framed his remarks as steps toward stability, his accusations against Tshisekedi and his insistence on “continuing the revolution” indicate that M23 is preparing for a prolonged and potentially decisive confrontation.