By KT Reporter
Magloire Paluku Kavunga, a renowned journalist and communications advisor to the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels, has been shot dead in Goma city, North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Paluku, 58, who also served as director of Goma-based Kivu 1 FM radio, was killed by unknown gunmen on Wednesday night.
The M23/AFC Cabinet Director, Jean-Pierre Lukamba Alumba Omokoko, released a statement in the early hours of Thursday confirming Paluku’s death. According to Lukamba, Paluku succumbed to gunshot wounds at Goma General Hospital.
“The AFC/M23 extends its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the entire revolutionary community of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as to the family of this man who dedicated his life to the struggle for social justice and the peaceful coexistence of all Congolese people,” Lukamba said, adding that investigations are underway to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Born on December 12, 1966 in Butembo, Paluku was widely recognized as a cultural and media figure in eastern DR Congo. He was a journalist, writer-poet, musician, comedian and broadcaster, and founder of Radio Kivu 1, one of the region’s most influential media outlets. A close associate of M23/AFC leader Corneille Nangaa, Paluku previously served as a cultural and artistic advisor in the Ministry of Culture, and later as chief of staff in the same ministry before joining the rebel movement.
In July 2024, Paluku was sentenced to death in absentia by the Gombe Military Court during a trial of rebel leaders Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, Willy Ngoma, and dozens of co-accused. They were charged with war crimes, treason, and participation in an insurrection in eastern DR Congo. Details surrounding the fatal shooting remain unclear. Goma city, where Paluku was killed, has been under M23/AFC control since January 2025.
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