AFC/M23 Claims Stability in Goma After One Year of Control

Goma, January 12, 2026 - The AFC/M23 coalition says the city of Goma has seen a significant reduction in violence after one year under its control. Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the coalition, made the announcement during a meeting with representatives from Lubero, Walikale, Masisi, Nyiragongo, Rutshuru, and South Kivu. “A year has passed since this city was liberated from the clutches of murderers,” Nangaa said. “Now, by the grace of God and the dedication of our troops, but especially by the contribution of everyone, we now sleep and sleep. The so-called 40 bandits are no longer there. The endless killings and shootings are now history.” He praised the coalition’s security forces for maintaining order and protecting residents and their property, despite what he described as interference from the Kinshasa government, including salary suspensions, bank closures, and disruptions to electricity and communications. “Kinshasa has stopped our salaries, closed banks, stolen our savings, and continues to seize resources. Yet we have shown that we are citizens who can find solutions and are committed to fighting for change until it is complete,” Nangaa said. The AFC/M23 captured Goma and Bukavu at the end of January 2025 and has maintained control over the cities since then. The coalition emphasizes that security has improved for residents, marking a shift from the widespread violence reported before their takeover.