Gatherings of a tribal or ethnic nature have been banned in areas controlled by the March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels in North Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with the group citing the need to combat ethnic discrimination and hate speech.
In a statement released on Wednesday, but dated May 5, 2026, and signed by Erasto Bahati Musanga, the M23/AFC-appointed governor of North Kivu, the rebels said the directive follows an increase in tribal and ethnic messages circulating on social media and during informal meetings. Musanga said such practices undermine the values of cohesion and peaceful coexistence promoted by M23/AFC and further weaken the social fabric already affected by decades of conflict and discriminatory policies.
He stated that the organisation of demonstrations, meetings, or gatherings of a tribal or ethnic nature, as well as the dissemination of communications, messages, or publications that incite community hatred, are strictly prohibited. Any initiatives aimed at pitting communities against one another have also been banned. Musanga emphasized that peace, tolerance, and solidarity are essential pillars for the reconstruction and development of the province, warning that anyone who violates the directive will face sanctions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any attempts at community manipulation, accusing politicians from the Kinshasa government of seeking political advantage and attempting to undermine the current unity and stability in North Kivu. By Wednesday morning, there had been no official reaction from members of the public, civil society, or the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo regarding the ban.
Meanwhile, fighting was reported on Wednesday between M23/AFC rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), alongside allied forces, in Kabunambo, Kigoro, and Kigurwe, about 30 kilometres north of Uvira City in South Kivu Province. The M23/AFC rebel group, which re-emerged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Major General Sultan Emmanuel Makenga, remains actively engaged in combat with government forces.
The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, an allegation denied by both Kigali and M23/AFC leaders.M23/AFC says its armed struggle is aimed at addressing corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC leadership. In early 2025, the group launched a rapid offensive in eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns and raising fears of a wider regional conflict-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
