The rebel coalition AFC/M23, in opposition to the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), continues to push for deep political reform in the country advocating for the adoption of a federal system similar to those in countries such as the United States. However, the coalition stated that it has not yet attended the ongoing peace negotiations in Doha, Qatar, due to the absence of an official invitation from the Qatari government.
On July 19, 2025, under Qatari mediation, a framework agreement was signed between AFC/M23 and the Congolese government, which outlined clear commitments: a permanent ceasefire and the release of prisoners by the end of July. AFC/M23 had agreed to return to Doha for further negotiations by August 8. Yet, no delegation has been sent. On August 7, coalition vice president Bertrand Bisimwa told the media that the delay was due to the lack of a formal invitation.
In addition, AFC/M23 accused the Congolese government of violating the ceasefire agreement. According to the coalition, the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), alongside Burundian troops, FDLR fighters, and Wazalendo militias, have continued to attack the Banyamulenge population in South Kivu province. “Kinshasa must stop playing games,” Bisimwa warned, emphasizing that any retaliation by the coalition should not be interpreted as a violation of the ceasefire. The group also highlighted the government’s failure to release 700 prisoners another key condition for the continuation of the peace process.
Federalism: A Path Forward for the DRC?
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Beyond the current negotiations, AFC/M23 is advocating for a federal political structure in the DRC. The coalition argues that the centralization of power in Kinshasa has led to significant challenges, including economic mismanagement and the marginalization of provinces. A federal system, they argue, would empower provinces to manage their own resources, allowing them to retain up to 60% of locally generated revenue compared to the current 40% allocated to provinces. This proposal aligns with ideas previously put forth by Congolese politician Olivier Kamitatu.
The DRC is currently divided into 25 provinces and the capital city of Kinshasa, each governed by a local administration and a provincial assembly. Under the current Constitution, provinces are entitled to just 40% of their revenues, a policy contested by several resource-rich regions, including Haut-Katanga, Lualaba, Tanganyika, and North Kivu.
AFC/M23 points to several federal countries such as the United States, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates as examples where federalism has promoted both stability and development. The coalition envisions a system where provinces would have authority over key sectors such as mining, agriculture, tourism, culture, forestry, infrastructure, and energy, while the central government in Kinshasa would retain control over defense, foreign affairs, and taxation.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya has expressed strong opposition to the idea, characterizing it as a disguised attempt by AFC/M23 to divide the country. He referred to it as a “hidden agenda” aimed at fragmenting the DRC. Former Minister of Human Rights Marie-Ange Mushobekwa has called for caution and dialogue, stressing that implementing federalism would require careful preparation and public sensitization, much like in other federal systems.
Peace talks are still expected to take place in Qatar this week. AFC/M23 Secretary General Benjamin Mbonimpa announced in a press conference in late July that the coalition would officially propose federalism during the discussions, calling it a critical component of the DRC’s political and economic future.
