By KT Reporter
The March 23 Movement (M23) rebel hierarchy has announced a fresh wave of parallel administrative appointments in territories under their control across North and South Kivu provinces in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In statements released Monday morning, Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, Coordinator of the M23/Congo River Alliance (AFC), confirmed the appointments. Rigobert Amani Kabasha has been named Inspector General of AFC/M23, tasked with overseeing transparency and administration within the Movement. Gage Musanga takes up the role of General Intendant, responsible for public affairs, finance, justice, and policing.
In North Kivu province, Jean-Louis Kulu Musubao has been appointed Mayor of Lubero territory, deputized by Elie Raadjabu Kwizera. Innocent Munyandekwe is the new Mayor of Kirumba Community, with Jeanine Kavugho as deputy. Jean-Baptiste Kahinda has been appointed Mayor of Kayna Community, with Simeon Mumbere as his deputy. Jean Matimano will serve as Mayor of Kanyabayonga Community, deputized by Martin Senzoga.
In South Kivu, Jean Bosco Buseyi becomes the new administrator for Kalehe territory, with Faustin Ndaye as deputy. Espoir Elie Rubabura has been named administrator for Kabare territory, deputized by Pascaline Chikuru Barakaziga. Pascal Ntambuka is now the administrator of D’Idjwi territory, supported by Deputy Amzat Mwezi Muhanuka. Anastasie Shengamungu Buhenda will oversee Walungu territory, with Colin Kasongo Mukenge as deputy.
The DRC government is yet to respond to the appointment of these parallel administrators, which signals a deepening of the M23’s de facto governance in rebel-held areas. Since the insurgency’s resurgence in 2022 under Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, M23 rebels have steadily expanded their control over significant parts of North and South Kivu.
The Congolese government continues to accuse Rwanda of backing the rebellion, allegations both Rwanda and the M23 deny. The rebel movement insists its campaign is rooted in fighting corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC leadership-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
