Rwandan company to build 56km Sake–Masisi road in AFC/M23 controlled territory

The Congo River Alliance (Alliance fleuve Congo) (AFC) and the M23 rebel group have officially launched the construction of a 56-kilometer road connecting the town of Sake to the Masisi territory in North Kivu province. The inauguration took place on Friday and is being hailed by the group as a major step toward infrastructural development in the region.

Speaking at the ceremony, Manzi Ngarambe Willy, the Deputy Governor of North Kivu in charge of politics, administration, and legal affairs for Nyiragongo Territory, described the project as “a historic milestone” for the province.

“This is an important phase marking a shift in infrastructure development for North Kivu and its people,” he said. “The AFC/M23 alliance has officially begun the construction of the Sake-Masisi road. This symbolizes change and progress in a region that has long been neglected.”

According to Manzi, North Kivu had seen little to no government investment in roads or basic public services for the past decade. He emphasized that the AFC/M23 initiative is a response to the demands of local communities.

“Our coalition heard the cries of the people, and we responded. This is not about promises; it’s about action,” he said.

The road construction will be executed by Delta Two Construction SARL, with funding provided by the AFC/M23 coalition.

This new infrastructure project follows previous efforts by AFC/M23 to provide clean water to parts of Goma and to ensure a continuous 24-hour electricity supply to the city—efforts that Manzi says demonstrate the coalition’s commitment to improving local livelihoods.

“Residents have said that North Kivu has never seen real infrastructure since Congo became a country,” Manzi stated. “Today, AFC/M23 is permanently changing that narrative.”

The North Kivu leadership under AFC/M23 has presented this road as a symbol of transformation, promising that the development will eventually reach all areas under the group’s control.

“It’s the will of the people, and for us, their will is law,” Manzi concluded.

The construction project, though controversial given the rebel coalition’s armed conflict with the central government, is being framed by its leaders as a form of grassroots governance and service delivery in regions long marginalized by the Congolese state.