M23/AFC: “Portrayed as the political face of the rebellion, Corneille Nangaa sidelined by Rwanda” (UN experts’ report)

Rwanda is overseeing the military operations of the AFC/M23 rebels in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This is revealed in the latest report from the United Nations expert group on the armed conflict affecting this region of the country.

According to the report reviewed on Thursday, July 3, 2025, by 7SUR7.CD, the military and political leaders of the rebellion have continued to receive instructions and support from the Rwandan government and its intelligence services to advance in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

“The military and political leaders of the AFC/M23 have continued to receive guidance and backing from the Rwandan government and its intelligence services. Rwandan-Congolese Fred Ngenzi Kagorora and Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa have maintained frequent contact with Makenga, Bisimwa, and Colonel Imani Nzenze,” states the report from the expert group submitted to the UN Security Council sanctions committee.

Additionally, this source notes that Corneille Nangaa, initially presented as the political face of the AFC/M23 to frame the rebellion as a Congolese issue, has gradually been sidelined by Rwanda. The report explains that this shift is primarily due to his personal ambition to seize power in Kinshasa by force.

“Corneille Nangaa, initially presented as the political face of the AFC/M23 to frame the rebellion as a Congolese issue, has gradually been sidelined by Rwanda. This change is mainly attributed to Nangaa’s personal ambition to take power in Kinshasa through force. While Rwanda and the M23 were open to the idea of a regime change, they were not in favor of a military campaign targeting Kinshasa,” the report asserts.

According to this document, internal tensions have emerged within the AFC/M23, exacerbated by contested internal appointments and the lack of unity.