KAMPALA, Uganda — Following the recent takeover of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, by the Rwanda-supported M23 rebel group, a surprising figure emerged to lead the organization. Rather than its longstanding military chief, Sultani Makenga, it was Corneille Nangaa, a bearded man dressed in military gear, who stepped into the spotlight at the Goma Serena Hotel. Interestingly, Nangaa is not of Tutsi descent, as most members of the group are, and analysts suggest that his leadership could help position M23 as a more inclusive, nationalistic Congolese force. He expressed ambitions to extend their influence all the way to Kinshasa, approximately 1,000 miles away.
This shift marks a remarkable transformation of the M23 from its ethnic Tutsi origins over a decade ago to an organization now striving to present itself as a broader Congolese nationalist entity. Despite the group’s ongoing military ties with Rwanda, observers in the Great Lakes region note this evolution and its implications for the complex political landscape.
Prior to his leadership role within M23, Nangaa served as the head of Congo’s electoral commission and was instrumental in overseeing the contentious 2018 presidential elections which resulted in Félix Tshisekedi becoming president. His oversight of the election, which faced significant backlash, led to U.S. sanctions in 2019 for actions undermining Congo’s democratic processes.
A conflict with the Congolese government, linked to disputes over mining concessions, ultimately forced Nangaa into exile in Kenya. In 2023, he allied with a myriad of parties and rebel factions forming the Congo River Alliance, directly opposing Tshisekedi’s regime, and rapidly became a pivotal player in the political arena. This led to grievances arising from what his supporters describe as mistreatment by authorities, and analysts suggest these feelings propelled him towards a more radical stance against the government.
In an unusual alliance, Makenga’s M23 merged with Nangaa’s Congo River Alliance last year, elevating the group’s threat perception significantly among Congolese authorities. According to experts, M23 is now advocating for a national dialogue concerning the long-standing grievances of the eastern Congo populace, aiming to establish greater autonomy and force political negotiations with the state. “This is a strategic approach for the rebels,” remarked Angelo Izama, an analyst from Uganda, who believes it represents a viable solution to the rising crisis.
A notable difference from their 2012 approach is that M23 now embraces a national agenda rather than solely focusing on ethnic claims. The alliance with Nangaa’s Congo River Alliance has allowed M23 to pool resources and form alliances with various armed groups disillusioned by the current government, making them more formidable.
Reports indicate that about 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently providing support to the M23 rebels in North Kivu, underscoring the regional dynamics at play. Goma’s strategic position near the Rwandan border was pivotal in the rebels’ recent military successes against Congolese forces, who were also backed by local militia and international peacekeepers.
Historically, M23 first appeared in 2012, founded by Congolese Tutsis who claimed that their interests were violated by government actions. After capturing Goma in November 2012 and subsequently retreating amid international pressure, many fighters fled to Rwanda and Uganda. In December 2013, an agreement for their repatriation proved contentious due to disagreements over amnesty and accountability for past actions.
In 2016, a mass escape from Ugandan custody left hundreds of rebels free, leading to their resurgence in 2021 as the dominant force among over 100 competing armed groups in the mineral-rich region of eastern Congo. Experts estimate the mineral wealth in this area could be worth around $24 trillion, significantly impacting global technology supply chains.
The political recalibration under Nangaa’s leadership is designed to reshape M23’s public perception, moving away from its Tutsi-dominated past. This new representation aligns with broader objectives set by regional backers aiming to establish a responsive Congolese front that could exert influence over the Congolese government.
At a recent press conference, Nangaa reaffirmed the rebels’ commitment to establishing authority in Goma and returning displaced families to their homes, positioning M23 as a serious challenge to President Tshisekedi. “We are here in Goma to stay as Congolese,” Nangaa asserted. “We will continue the march for liberation all the way to Kinshasa.”
