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‘We Will Go to Kinshasa’; Nangaa Declares AFC’s Plans for DRC

Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and ally of the March 23 Movement (M23), has made it clear that his movement has no plans to retreat. In an exclusive interview with The New Times Rwanda, Nangaa outlined his vision for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following M23’s capture of Goma. He accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of fueling insecurity and division and vowed to push forward.

We are in Goma, and we are staying,” Nangaa declared. “We won’t withdraw. Our objective is to go all the way to Kinshasa because we have a vision for the people of DRC.

He described the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Goma, blaming the Congolese government for cutting off essential services like water, electricity, and communication. According to him, M23 is stepping in to restore stability where the state has failed. He further accused the Kinshasa government of allowing insecurity to thrive by tolerating groups like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which he called a ‘threat to our population and neighbors.’

From Electoral Chief to AFC Opposition Leader.Before emerging as a key figure in the armed opposition, Corneille Nangaa served as President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) in DRC from 2015 to 2021. He played a central role in the country’s controversial 2018 election, which declared Félix Tshisekedi the winner.

However, Nangaa has since distanced himself from that outcome, admitting disagreements over the election’s handling and the country’s political trajectory. In 2023, he officially broke ties with Tshisekedi’s government and formed the AFC, a coalition of armed groups in North Kivu and eastern DRC allied with M23.

Reflecting on his past role, Nangaa admitted, “I assume that it was a mistake, and I have a responsibility to correct it. That’s one of the reasons why we are fighting.”

He accused Tshisekedi of relying on European mercenaries and collaborating with armed groups like the FDLR to suppress opposition. “This is why we started the struggle,” he explained. “We want to make DRC a land of business and prosperity.”

On Allegations of Rwandan Support

M23 has long faced accusations of receiving backing from Rwanda, but Nangaa dismissed these claims as “Kinshasa propaganda.” He argued that the Congolese government uses Rwanda as a scapegoat to distract from internal failures.

They blame Rwanda for everything—hunger in Kinshasa, no education, little water,” he said with laughter. “But the real question is: how many foreign forces are in DRC today? Uganda is in Congo, Burundi is in Congo, and they are the ones we’ve been fighting in Goma. South Africans, Tanzanians, and even thousands of European mercenaries were deployed here hired by Tchisekedi, but now they are defeated.

According to Nangaa, their struggle is about reclaiming their country, not foreign interests. We are Congolese,” he asserted. The presence of all these foreign forces in DRC is proof of a failed state. This is a danger to Congolese people and the entire region.”

Fighting for a New DRC

Describing M23’s broader mission, Nangaa said their movement is “fighting for the Congolese people.” He emphasized the plight of Congolese refugees, particularly those in Rwanda, and expressed a desire to create conditions for their safe return.

There are around 100,000 Congolese refugees in Rwanda. This is a simple issue that we will solve quickly with no problems he stated.

On the issue of genocide ideology in the region, Nangaa took a nuanced stance, acknowledging that while those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi are aging or deceased, the ideology persists. “The real problem is those who continue to spread it,” he warned. He accused Tshisekedi of arming and collaborating with groups that harbor such views, calling it a threat not just to Rwanda but to everyone.”

As M23 pushes westward, the future of the DRC remains uncertain. With the government facing internal strife and regional tensions escalating, the question remains: can diplomatic efforts prevent further bloodshed, or is the country on the brink of a deeper conflict?As Nangaa and the AFC push deeper into the conflict, the future of DRC remains uncertain. With his calls for change clashing against Tshisekedi’s government, the coming months could define the country’s political and security landscape.

Full interview Below

This article was written by
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Kennedy Rukundo

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