KINSHASA, Congo (Chatnewstv.com) — The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has drastically expanded its shadow government across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo this year, raising alarms over regional stability and U.S. interests, according to a new report.
The Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute said Monday that M23 has filled more than 90 senior-level civilian posts since January, part of what it described as a state-building campaign in territory roughly half the size of Belgium.
“M23 is no longer just a military force. It is actively constructing a parallel administration that rivals the Congolese state,” the report said.
The United Nations has repeatedly concluded that Rwanda maintains command and control over M23’s military operations. Kigali denies the charge.
M23, formally known as Mouvement du 23 mars, leads a broader rebel coalition called Alliance Fleuve Congo. The group’s latest offensive in early 2025 expanded its control to areas home to a population nearly the size of Ireland.
The report detailed an extensive chain of command that includes General Sultani Makenga as commander in chief and Corneille Nangaa, a former Congolese election chief, as political coordinator. Local structures now include governors, mayors, and finance chiefs in both North and South Kivu provinces.
“The scope of these appointments underscores M23’s intent to entrench itself politically and economically, not just militarily,” the report said.
U.S. officials have previously warned that M23’s resurgence threatens humanitarian operations and endangers American personnel in the region.
