By KT Reporter
The March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have announced the appointment of Cedrick Fiema Punduyange as director in charge of the regulatory authority for the economic, financial, and insurance sectors in territories under their control.
The announcement was made in a statement released Monday night by the group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, and signed by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, coordinator of both M23 and the Congo River Alliance (AFC).
Punduyange will be deputized by Justin Mugiri Musasifi, who assumes the role of Finance and Administration Manager, while Ansleme Munana Kitumani has been appointed Risk Operations Manager. According to the statement, all three appointees are expected to assume their duties immediately. The development comes just weeks after M23 rebels introduced a monthly levy on business operators in Goma and its surrounding areas, signaling a push toward structured governance in the territories they occupy.
However, the rebel group has remained silent on the reasons behind its increasing interest in formal economic management. The appointments further cast doubt on the possibility of M23 withdrawing from positions it currently occupies. The group maintains control over large parts of North and South Kivu provinces, including the key cities of Goma and Bukavu, Goma International Airport, and Kavumu Airport.
Since the resurgence of the M23 insurgency in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has repeatedly accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting the rebel movement—allegations both Rwanda and M23 continue to deny.
The rebel group claims its actions are driven by a desire to combat corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Congolese leadership-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
