AFC/M23 Tightens Media Controls In Rebel-Held South Kivu

Nyamoma, August 19, 2026 - AFC/M23 authorities in parts of South Kivu banned political programming and the relay of information from Kinshasa, tightening information control in rebel-held territory.

Patrick Busu Bwa Ngwi Shombo, presented as the de facto governor of South Kivu in zones under AFC/M23 control, issued the directive during a meeting in Nyamoma. Media outlets were told to prioritize content on peace, the environment, education and health, with programming subject to prior approval.

The measure followed controversy over a political program on Radio Bukavu FM and signals an effort by the rebel administration to regulate public debate and limit the central government's messaging.

For investors and diplomats, the move underscores the emergence of parallel governance structures in the east, complicating state authority, information flows and any future stabilization framework.