Goma, September 23, 2025, The AFC/M23 movement has unveiled its political vision, portraying itself as the spearhead of a new era in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one it says will be grounded in transparency, integrity, and accountable governance.
Speaking at the close of a capacity-building seminar, Corneille Nangaa, the Political Coordinator of AFC/M23, stressed that the movement’s ambitions extend well beyond the battlefield. He argued that the real struggle is to transform governance in areas already under its control.
“We represent a revolution of substance, one that brings profound change,” Nangaa said. “The territories we have liberated must be governed to the highest standard. Our people are exhausted by corruption and neglect. AFC/M23 is determined to restore their confidence.”
He added: “We cannot repeat the mistakes of past administrations. Our mission is to build leadership rooted in honesty, openness, and respect for citizens.”
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Participants at the seminar, including residents from recently secured territories, voiced support for the movement’s stated direction.
Jean-Pierre Muhindo, a local resident, commented: “This is exactly the message we have been hoping to hear. We need leaders who listen to us, who bring peace, and who recognize our worth.”
In Rutshuru, Maman Solange echoed this sentiment: “After years of war and abandonment, we see AFC/M23 as our only hope. We want leadership that finally delivers peace and dignity.”
Observers argue that AFC/M23 is attempting to redefine itself. For years seen primarily as an armed group, the movement now seeks to present a political face, one that speaks to state-building rather than conflict.
Independent analyst Prof. Emmanuel Kasereka told reporters: “M23 is trying to position itself as a constructive force, not a destructive one. If they succeed, this could shift the political balance in Congo, where governance failures have fueled decades of instability.”
Whether AFC/M23 can translate its vision into concrete reforms remains uncertain. Yet its new messaging underscores a deliberate effort to recast the movement as more than a military actor. For supporters, this is the dawn of long-awaited transformation; for critics, it raises tough questions about legitimacy and sustainability.
