In a press conference held this morning in Goma, Corneille Nanga, the leader of the AFC/M23 coalition, emphasized the enduring presence of his group in the city, stating, “Where should we retreat to if this is our home? We are here to stay, and we will continue our march to Kinshasa until the Tshisekedi government addresses our grievances.”
When questioned about the possibility of disarming in response to international pressure, particularly from the United States, Nanga responded defiantly, “New York is New York, Goma is Goma. We are dealing with the issues of people without water, without electricity, and ongoing violence here. That’s our struggle.”
Nanga announced that within the next 48 hours, his forces would begin cleaning up the city. He also pledged to restore the water and electricity services that were disrupted by the state, accusing it of sabotaging these through actions led by General Peter Cirimwami.
He further promised that development projects would soon resume in Goma, indicating a focus on rebuilding and stabilizing the region.
Regarding security for Rwandan-speaking residents, Nanga assured, “We have chased away the bad elements; now we will coexist peacefully with all citizens.” He made it clear that those who speak Kinyarwanda are as Congolese as anyone else, offering a message of unity and security.
Nanga also called upon the hundreds of thousands of Congolese refugees in camps across borders to return, stating that peace has been achieved.
This assertive stance by Nanga reflects a significant shift in the dynamics of power in Eastern DRC, showcasing the AFC/M23’s intent to consolidate control over Goma and potentially extend influence further into the country.
