AFC/M23 Renews Demand for Reopening of Banks in Goma and Bukavu Amid Ongoing

Goma April 19, 2026 - The AFC/M23 coalition has reiterated its call for the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo to reopen banks in areas under its control, including Goma and Bukavu, and to lift legal and financial sanctions imposed on its senior members. The appeal was restated during ongoing peace talks held in Switzerland from April 13, 2026, where representatives of the coalition and the Congolese government discussed a range of confidence-building measures aimed at reducing tensions in eastern DRC. Since AFC/M23 took control of Goma in January 2025, the government in Kinshasa has closed all banking institutions in the city, a move intended to weaken the group’s administrative and financial capacity. However, the closure has also had broader economic consequences, affecting civilians and businesses unable to access their deposits or conduct routine transactions. The coalition argues that restoring banking services in Goma, Bukavu, and other areas under its control is essential for normal economic activity and civilian livelihoods. It has repeatedly urged the government to allow financial institutions to resume operations without restrictions. AFC/M23 has also called for the lifting of judicial measures against its senior officials, including death sentences and asset seizures imposed by the Congolese authorities. In parallel, the government delegation has called on AFC/M23 to reopen Goma Airport, a request the coalition has firmly rejected. The airport has remained closed since heavy fighting in the area, which caused significant damage to its infrastructure. Reports indicate it was previously used as a military position during the conflict, complicating repair efforts and raising security concerns. The coalition maintains that conditions are not yet suitable for resuming civilian air operations, while the government continues to insist on its reopening as part of broader normalization measures. Despite these disagreements, both sides confirmed progress on other aspects of the Swiss talks. They agreed to release more than 400 prisoners within 10 days and to establish a mechanism to monitor ceasefire implementation within one week. Under the arrangement, the DRC government is expected to release 311 individuals linked to AFC/M23, while the coalition will free 166 government-held detainees, in what negotiators describe as a key step toward rebuilding trust between the two parties.