Corneille Nangaa Delivers End-of-Year Message, Calls for Unity and Justice in DRC

Kinshasa / RDC - December 31, 2025 Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and M23, addressed the Congolese people in a formal end-of-year message, posted on social media, reflecting on 2025 and outlining priorities for 2026. Speaking from a formal office setting with AFC and DRC flags in the background, Nangaa began by paying tribute to fallen fighters and the Congolese Revolutionary Army for their sacrifices in the struggle for freedom. He also thanked AFC political personnel and called for the voluntary return of Congolese refugees, including those recently expelled to Burundi. He highlighted progress in areas “liberated” under AFC/M23 control, emphasizing: Restoration of peace and security Establishment of functional administration Operational justice system Resilient local economy and emerging financial institutions Infrastructure development Mass return of internally displaced persons Resumption of agriculture, schools, and hospitals Nangaa positioned the AFC/M23 as a credible alternative to the current government. He sharply criticized the Kinshasa government, accusing it of betraying 2025 peace agreements, including joint communiqués, prisoner release mechanisms, and ceasefire monitoring. Key allegations included: No political prisoners released Repeated ceasefire violations, including bombardments of civilians Official promotion of ethnic hate speech, particularly against Kinyarwanda-speaking Tutsis and Swahili speakers Tribal purges within the army Massacres, arbitrary arrests, endemic corruption, and looting of natural resources Nangaa also highlighted mass popular protests across multiple cities and called for national unity, an end to impunity, and sustainable peace based on truth. Looking ahead to 2026, he pledged continued struggle for freedom, justice, peace, and the reconstruction of the Congolese state. He concluded with New Year wishes, envisioning a united, peaceful, and prosperous Congo. The message was delivered in a solemn, structured, and presidential tone, underscoring the AFC/M23’s political narrative and priorities for the upcoming year.