The March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo rebel group has appointed administrators to oversee territories and administrative units in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to a statement dated June 6, 2026, and signed by Bertrand Bisimwa, M23 Coordinator, and Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, AFC Coordinator, Nicolas Kyalangali Lwa Mulondani has been appointed Mayor of Bukavu City. He will be deputized by Céline Nyota Luandja.
Shaka Muhoza has been appointed Mayor of Bagira Commune, with Bahaya Léon serving as his deputy. Mweze Prisca has been named Mayor of Ibanda Commune, while Mutunwa Mbulanga will serve as Deputy Mayor.
Théo Ruremesha has been appointed Mayor of Kadutu Commune, assisted by Deputy Mayor Cikuru Barhakaziga Pascaline. Pascal Ntambuka has been named Administrator of Idjwi Territory, with René Mwimbirisa Bulikoko appointed as Assistant Territory Administrator.
Elie Rubabura Espoir has been appointed Administrator of Kabare Territory, assisted by Benjamin Kasindi Kingombe. Jean Bosco Buseyi has been named Administrator of Kalehe Territory, while Amza Muhamuka Mweze will serve as Assistant Territory Administrator.
Anastasie Shengamungu has been appointed Administrator of Walungu Territory, with Félicien Tumusifu serving as Assistant Territory Administrator. Augustin Sengimana Ruhungande has been appointed Chief of Minova Town, deputized by Mahombi Mutumai.
In the statement, Bisimwa and Nangaa say the appointments are intended to serve the Congolese population through transparency, good governance, and by bringing public administration closer to the people. They also say that the appointments respond to the need and urgency of organizing territorial administration in areas under the movement’s control.
The appointment of additional administrators is likely to fuel speculation that the M23/AFC rebels are not preparing to withdraw from territories they have captured from the Congolese government. The movement currently controls large parts of North and South Kivu provinces.
M23, which re-emerged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultan Makenga, remains actively engaged in fighting against Congolese government forces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Congolese government has consistently accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, allegations that have been repeatedly denied by both Kigali and M23/AFC leaders.
M23/AFC maintains that its armed struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, discrimination, insecurity, and governance failures in the DRC. In early 2025, the movement intensified its military campaign in eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns and raising concerns about the risk of a broader regional conflict-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
