South Kivu governor says AFC/M23 control cuts provincial revenue by 84% amid ongoing

Kinshasa, April 3, 2026 - The governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, has warned that the province is losing the vast majority of its revenues due to territories controlled by the AFC/M23 armed group, which he says has established a parallel administration in parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kinshasa on April 2, the governor stated that the occupation of key areas including Bukavu, Walungu, Kabare, and parts of Kalehe has resulted in an estimated 84% loss of provincial revenue.

He explained that South Kivu’s budget, which was projected at around USD 66 million, had effectively collapsed after government authorities relocated from Bukavu to Uvira, leaving major economic zones outside state control.

Purusi further alleged that the AFC/M23 administration generates between USD 17 million and USD 20 million per month through taxation in the occupied areas, claiming that these funds are transferred across the border into Rwanda.

According to him, the group has implemented a structured taxation system over local populations under difficult living conditions, while benefiting from the region’s economic activities.

In response to the fiscal collapse, the governor said he had obtained authorization from Kinshasa to reorganize revenue collection in remaining government-controlled areas, particularly at border points. He suggested that improved digitization, banking access, and streamlined customs systems could help restore up to USD 3-4 million in monthly revenue.

However, he acknowledged that the province’s economic base has been severely weakened due to looting, destruction of infrastructure, bank closures, and the broader disruption of local commerce.

Meanwhile, despite ongoing international diplomatic efforts-including the Washington process and talks mediated in Doha by Qatar-progress toward stabilizing the security situation in eastern Congo remains limited. Both Kinshasa and Kigali continue to trade accusations over violations of existing agreements, while negotiations aimed at restoring state authority and reintegrating armed groups have stalled.