Tanganyika Governor Pledges Tough Response to Alleged AFC/M23 Infiltration

Kalemie, Tanganyika, July 14, 2026 - Tanganyika Governor Christian Kitungwa Muteba has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to preventing any infiltration by the AFC/M23 rebellion following a security operation in Kalemie that resulted in the arrest of several military deserters and individuals suspected of posing security risks. Speaking upon his return to Kalemie, the governor sought to reassure residents amid heightened security concerns, insisting that Tanganyika would not become a base of operations for AFC/M23 or its alleged supporters. His remarks came after the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) carried out a large-scale security operation across several neighborhoods of the provincial capital. According to the military, the operation led to the arrest of military deserters as well as individuals suspected of engaging in activities considered detrimental to public security. The detained individuals were transferred to Kalemie Central Prison, where they remain in custody pending judicial review. Governor Kitungwa warned that provincial authorities were closely monitoring alleged attempts to infiltrate the province and stated that security services would continue to identify and apprehend anyone suspected of threatening Tanganyika's stability. The operation follows growing concerns over possible armed infiltration, which have contributed to increased anxiety among local residents. Tanganyika's heightened security posture reflects broader efforts by the Congolese authorities to prevent the conflict affecting eastern DRC from spreading beyond North and South Kivu, where AFC/M23 continues to operate in several areas. Bordering South Kivu, Tanganyika has become an important focus of preventive security measures aimed at detecting and deterring potential incursions by armed groups. Provincial authorities have continued to encourage residents to cooperate with defense and security services by reporting suspicious activities while emphasizing that maintaining public vigilance remains an essential component of the province's security strategy. Through these measures and public assurances, the provincial government aims to reinforce confidence in the ability of the FARDC and security services to preserve stability and protect the territorial integrity of Tanganyika Province.