As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to grapple with insecurity, new information has emerged that could significantly reshape the country’s political landscape: Nathalie Kyenge, the sister of former Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde, has reportedly joined the Armed Forces Coalition (AFC)/M23 movement group.
This revelation was confirmed by Ngarambe Manzi Willy, the Deputy Governor of North Kivu, via his X (formerly Twitter) account. He stated that “all Congolese are welcome in the AFC/M23,” adding that the struggle led by this group is “a battle for every Congolese citizen.”
According to statements from M23 leaders, Kyenge’s decision to join is seen as “undeniable proof” that some key figures within the Kinshasa government are beginning to accept the “message” of the rebel group. M23 leaders argue that their movement deserves recognition and legal legitimacy.
This development comes at a time when the Kinshasa government is intensifying military efforts against M23, a group that has seized large parts of North Kivu and is seen as seeking major political changes in the country.
Political analysts suggest that Kyenge’s move could mark the beginning of a significant shift in the political structure and governance within the DRC. Intelligence reports also indicate that former President Joseph Kabila may be among those supporting M23, which could trigger major unrest within President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration.
Despite the government labeling M23 as a terrorist group, the involvement of well-known political figures from within the Kinshasa establishment suggests a new narrative of ideological division between the state and armed movements.
This could present serious challenges for international diplomacy and may undermine national unity.
Kyenge’s alignment with M23 is increasingly being viewed not just as a personal decision but as a reflection of broader ideological shifts among certain Congolese political circles.
People from eastern DRC, especially from marginalized communities like the Banyamulenge, continue to voice concerns about discrimination, abuses, and the government’s failure to address their grievances.
Kyenge’s move might represent an internal acknowledgment that the M23 issue is not simply terrorism, as the government asserts, but also stems from deeper political inequalities and injustices that need reform.
Speculation that Joseph Kabila might align with M23 indicates a possible strategic move to undermine or weaken Tshisekedi’s power, especially as his administration faces growing criticism internationally.
Evidence suggests that parts of the Banyamulenge diaspora are gaining influence within the AFC/M23, using diplomacy and silent strategy rather than direct confrontation to challenge the status quo.
The Kinshasa government is accused of attempting to silence or divide Banyamulenge voices abroad by co-opting or sidelining them.
This hints at a new form of political resistance, where some choose to align with M23 rather than continue supporting a government they believe no longer represents them.
As M23 was traditionally viewed as an armed rebel group, the inclusion of established political actors like Kyenge may shift its identity toward that of a political movement or coalition calling for reform.
This transformation could compel the international community to reconsider its approach to resolving the crisis in the DRC—not solely through military interventions but also through inclusive political dialogue.
