In Goma, the Congo River Alliance (AFC) - of which the M23 armed group is a part - held its first meeting this Thursday. Thousands of people gathered at the Unity stadium. On this occasion, the movement said it wanted to continue its offensive, despite the unilateral ceasefire it had announced earlier this week. The AFC/M23 also formalized the appointment of parallel authorities in a statement on Wednesday.
Erasto Bahati Musanga, designated as governor, is well known to be the head of finances of the Congo River Alliance (AFC)/M23. According to a report by the United Nations group of experts, he was injured in January 2024 during a drone strike carried out by the Congolese army.
In addition to his financial duties, Erasto Bahati Musanga is also one of the officials responsible for overseeing recruitment within the movement.
According to a statement from the movement, he will be assisted by two deputy governors, including Shadrack Amani Bahati. The latter is a provincial deputy from the previous legislature. A former member of the presidential majority, he is one of the first provincial deputies to have called for dialogue with the AFC/M23.
New authorities in Goma appointed by the M23
In addition to the appointment of governors, the movement has also designated the new authorities for the city of Goma.
Julien Katembo Ndalieni was appointed mayor, assisted by Désiré Ngabo, appointed deputy mayor. He is a former member of the Wazalendo, these local self-defense groups that support the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
Désiré Ngabo had previously served as spokesperson for the NDC (Nduma Defense of Congo), a movement close to the Congolese armed forces.
However, according to security sources, his presence within the administration set up by the AFC/M23 raises questions about loyalty within certain Wazalendo groups.
International arrest warrant for Corneille Nangaa
The Congolese military justice system has also issued an international arrest warrant for Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the AFC/M23 political-military movement.
Another international arrest warrant was issued against Jean-Jacques Mamba, a former member of parliament for Jean-Pierre Bemba's Mouvement de Libération du Congo (MLC), now a member of the AFC/M23 and residing in Europe. The two men were sentenced to death in August 2024 by the Congolese military justice system, notably for belonging to an insurrectional movement.
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