As the situation continues to evolve in South Kivu Province, the Congo River Alliance (Alliance Fleuve Congo – AFC), led by Corneille Nangaa, has made major changes in its leadership.
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Birato Rwihimba Emmanuel, who had recently been appointed to lead the province, has been reassigned to a more prominent national role.
Birato had been named Governor of South Kivu in February 2025, after the M23, and other members of the AFC coalition took control of Bukavu, the provincial capital.
These responsibilities are particularly significant at a time when the AFC is strengthening its ties with the population of South Kivu and establishing itself as a new political authority in opposition to the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi.
On Wednesday, June 4, the AFC issued a statement announcing the leadership changes. It declared that Birato Rwihimba is now appointed as the Head of the Office for Education, Business Development, and Investment.
The statement read: “Based on Birato Rwihimba’s capacity and experience in governance and population management, the AFC has chosen him to lead efforts in advancing education, commerce, and investment in relatively secure areas.”
This decision reflects the AFC’s strategy to invest in sectors that contribute to regional development rather than focusing solely on provincial governance.
Analysts say these changes are a sign of a new political direction for the AFC/M23, aimed at showing that it is not just a war-focused group but also capable of governance that promotes development.
Birato, known for his strong connections with youth and business communities in eastern DRC, is likely being positioned to reinforce the AFC’s agenda of building a stable economic governance system.
This comes at a time when M23 continues to control large parts of both North and South Kivu, driving out forces of the Kinshasa government from various areas, a shift that is reshaping local governance structures.
Residents of Bukavu and other parts of South Kivu are now watching closely to see how these changes will affect their daily lives, especially in markets, schools, and investment opportunities.
