The Allied Democratic Forces for the Congo (AFC-M23) rebels have announced that they will no longer capture new territory in eastern Congo. According to Corneille Nangaa, the movement's coordinator, this decision is a political choice linked to the peace process, rather than a sign of weakness. Nangaa made the announcement at a press conference in Goma on October 7, alongside deputies Bertrand Bisimwa and Freddy Kaniki.
Nangaa stated that the rebels have the capacity to continue their military campaign, having made earlier gains from the Sabinyo-Bunagana area through Rutshuru and into South Kivu. However, he said that the movement has decided to give Congolese society and mediators room to pursue a diplomatic solution while respecting ceasefire commitments under the Doha peace process. Nangaa accused the government in Kinshasa of not wanting peace.
The rebels' decision to halt territorial expansion is conditional, with Nangaa warning that continued attacks around Minembwe could trigger a renewed military response. He accused the Congolese army, the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), Wazalendo fighters, and Burundian forces of attacking Banyamulenge civilians, describing the situation as a "tragedy" and a "genocide".
Despite the announcement, front lines in eastern Congo remain fluid, with recent fighting illustrating the difficulty of establishing stable territorial control. Remeka in Masisi Territory, North Kivu, has changed hands during recent fighting, with AFC-M23 capturing the area before government-allied forces reported retaking it. Similar clashes have occurred in South Kivu, with Numbi, a mineral-rich area in Kalehe Territory, being contested.
AFC-M23 still controls large areas of North and South Kivu, including key cities Goma and Bukavu, which have a combined population of up to 5 million people. However, there is no reliable current percentage for the share of either province under its control, due to the fluid nature of the front lines and contested areas.
The rebels have moved beyond military control to establish administrative and economic structures in areas they hold. AFC-M23 has appointed local administrators, organised revenue collection, and held large public rallies. They have also sought to maintain financial services after Kinshasa ordered banks in areas under AFC-M23 control to close.
The African Union has urged the parties to respect the Doha ceasefire, cooperate with verification mechanisms, and continue political dialogue. However, fighting has continued in parts of North and South Kivu, with Congolese army statements reporting the surrender of fighters identified as AFC-M23 or allied elements, claims disputed by the rebels.
Key points
- AFC-M23 rebels have halted territorial expansion in eastern Congo as a political choice to allow for a diplomatic solution.
- The rebels' decision is conditional, with a warning that continued attacks could trigger a renewed military response.
- AFC-M23 still controls large areas of North and South Kivu, including key cities Goma and Bukavu.
