Corneille Nangaa

Corneille Nangaa is the leader of Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the political wing of the M23 rebel movement in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Nangaa functions as the political face of M23's territorial ambitions, working to establish parallel governance structures in captured territories. He represents M23's political interests while its military wing continues to expand control across eastern DRC.

Nangaa has taken a prominent role following M23's capture of strategic cities in early 2025 and even survived an assassination attempt during this period. After M23 seized Bukavu on February 16, Nangaa held a public rally in the city on February 27 where he announced plans to appoint new regional leadership. Two explosions near the podium killed 11 civilians but left AFC-M23 personnel unharmed after Nangaa finished speaking. Nangaa directly accused President Félix Tshisekedi of ordering the attack, heightening tensions and potentially justifying further M23 offensives.

M23's territorial gains under Nangaa's political leadership have strengthened Rwanda's influence in eastern DRC. The capture of Bukavu and Kamanyola extended M23's control over the entire DRC-Rwanda border, enhancing the group's ability to receive reinforcements and supplies. As M23 continues establishing state-like administrative structures in occupied territories, Nangaa's political operations complement the group's military strategy while providing a veneer of legitimacy to their territorial control.

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Corneille Nangaa is the leader of Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), the political wing of the M23 rebel movement in eastern Democratic Republi... Show More