Kinshasa Losing Ground: AFC/M23 Expands in North and South Kivu as Locals Report Rising Stability

• M23 Expands in Eastern Congo as Residents Credit Group with Security and Economic Stability

The March 23 Movement (M23) continues to consolidate its influence across Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, expanding beyond its earlier strongholds in Goma,Bukavu, Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo, into new territories in both   North Kivu   and   South Kivu  .

According to on-the-ground reports gathered by Afrovera.com, areas under M23 control have experienced notable improvements in security, reduced criminal activity, and revived local economic activity particularly in agriculture.

Journalists revisiting regions formerly controlled by the central government found that under the authority of FARDC (Congolese government forces), areas such as Murukoro, Karengera, Rugari, and Murutare (Virunga Park) were plagued by kidnappings. Victims were often handed over to criminal networks, with ransom demands ranging from \$10,000 to \$100,000.

Similarly, in agricultural zones like Kazaroho, Tongo, Binza, Busanza, Kirama, Bambo, Maryo, and Kagando, militias such as the FDLR routinely looted harvests and extorted farmers.

Today, under M23, residents report a dramatic shift. “Since M23 took control, we farm without fear, and we keep our produce,” one farmer from Binza told Afrovera.com. “Kidnappings have decreased drastically. Poverty has reduced by 70%. We travel safely between Rutshuru, Masisi, and Goma.”

New Areas under M23 Control

Recent reports indicate that M23 has extended its control into   northern and central parts of Lubero Territory   in   North Kivu, and   Uvira and Fizi Territories   in   South Kivu, especially in areas where state presence has long been absent or limited. In these newly captured zones, similar patterns are emerging restored farming activity, reduced militia harassment, and some level of order.

In   South Kivu, some communities in the   high plateau of Minembwe   have welcomed M23’s presence, especially where local populations often-ethnic Banyamulenge have faced sustained attacks from Mai-Mai and foreign militias. Community leaders in these areas say M23 has provided protection and allowed displaced populations to return home.

A Different Kind of Armed Group?

Eastern Congo hosts more than 100 armed groups, but analysts, residents, and even UN officials recognize a key difference:   M23 exhibits military discipline and a political agenda, unlike other militias that survive through looting, extortion, and indiscriminate violence.

M23, composed mainly of Congolese Tutsi who speak Kinyarwanda, asserts it is fighting for equal rights and recognition, challenging systemic marginalization that labels its members as “foreigners” despite generations of Congolese identity.

Even MONUSCO, the UN’s peacekeeping force in the DRC, has acknowledged M23’s structured nature, calling it “unusually professional and organized,” making it a far more challenging opponent than typical local militias.

While Kinshasa continues to denounce M23 and seeks regional and international military support to counter it, residents in M23-controlled areas claim the group has become a functional alternative to the central government.

A Rising Parallel Authority?

“The current DRC government behaves like a terror group in our region. M23, by contrast, has restored order and given us hope,” said one resident of Fizi.

Analysts suggest M23’s strategy extends beyond battlefield gains. It includes repatriating Congolese refugees, removing destabilizing armed groups, and setting up rudimentary governance in liberated territories.

For many residents, M23 represents not just a military force but also a legitimate authority. As one local leader put it: “Supporting M23 means supporting a government that actually works for its people.”