AFC/M23 welcomes another top politician from the Democratic Republic of Congo

The political coalition known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has announced that it has welcomed another prominent political figure in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo: Marcelin Cishambo, the former Governor of South Kivu and a seasoned leader who closely collaborated with the government of Joseph Kabila. 

NB: If you need a website for a church, company, blog, e-commerce, or NGO, contact us via WhatsApp: +254 754 537854.
Note: Company, Blog, Church websites are free.

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, it was confirmed that Cishambo joined the coalition along with a large group of other politicians, including opposition members and representatives from the Diaspora. 

He stated: “We have welcomed the former Governor of South Kivu, Marcelin Cishambo, along with various experienced leaders, including opposition members. We all gathered in Goma, the political capital of this coalition.” 

Cishambo’s move follows a similar one by Joseph Kabila himself, the former President of the DRC, who recently joined AFC.  

Kabila, who has recently returned to public life, is engaging in various peace-related activities in eastern Congo, particularly in Goma, which is emerging as the headquarters of AFC/M23. 

Marcelin Cishambo, who supported Kabila during his presidency, served as Governor from 2010 to 2017 and was also a political advisor to the President from 2006. 

His decision to join the AFC/M23 movement underscores that this coalition is not solely a military force, but is gradually transforming into a political platform that offers an alternative vision to the one upheld in Kinshasa. 

These political developments come at a time when President Félix Tshisekedi’s government is under increasing pressure from international media and human rights organizations over allegations of targeting some of its own soldiers, mainly accused solely based on their ethnic background or due to historical regional ties. 

Kinshasa has denied these allegations, calling them “falsehoods aimed at tarnishing the image of the national army,” but some analysts say the political atmosphere remains tense.  

Cishambo’s entry into AFC could increase the pressure on the Tshisekedi administration, which is facing growing opposition and the looming challenge of upcoming elections. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *