By KT Reporter
The March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have announced the creation of a judicial system in areas under their control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to a statement released Wednesday evening, the new judicial commission will be headed by Délion Kimbulungu Mutangala, who was appointed by the M23 high command on August 12, 2025, alongside 13 other judicial members.
Kimbulungu directed all magistrates and judicial staff in North and South Kivu provinces to submit case files between September 1–5, 2025, to pave the way for courts and tribunals to begin operating.
Earlier, M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, said the group had held a meeting with North Kivu governor Erasto Bahati Musanga to discuss the establishment of a judiciary. He argued that the move was a strategic priority to ensure the rule of law, combat impunity, meet the population’s demand for justice, and support ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts. The DRC government has not yet commented on the development. Analysts say the rebels’ decision raises questions about whether they plan to relinquish control of captured areas and whether the move could undermine ongoing peace talks in Doha, Qatar.
Meanwhile, tension continues despite negotiations. On Wednesday, Kanyuka accused the Congolese army (FARDC) and its coalition partners of attacking M23 positions and civilian-populated areas in Kadasomwa, South Kivu. He further alleged that the coalition launched a wider offensive against Banyamulenge villages from Rugezi to Minembwe in Fizi Highlands.
Kanyuka said the attacks violated the ceasefire agreement and jeopardized the Doha peace process. The FARDC has not responded to these claims.
M23 rebels, who reignited their insurgency in 2022, currently control large parts of North and South Kivu. The DRC government has consistently accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, though both Rwanda and M23 deny the allegations. The group maintains its struggle is against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within Congo’s leadership.
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