The United Nations Group of Experts’ latest report on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) sheds light on deep internal divisions within the Alliance of the Congo River (AFC)/March 23 Movement (M23), particularly concerning military expansion and control over valuable resources.

According to the confidential document submitted to the UN Security Council, the AFC/M23 remains under the military command of “General” Sultani Makenga, though his leadership is increasingly contested both internally and by regional actors, including Rwanda. Meanwhile, the political leadership is shared between Bertrand Bisimwa and Corneille Nangaa, the latter a former head of the DRC’s Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI).

The report highlights persistent tensions between the political and military factions of the AFC/M23, which operates primarily in the North-Kivu and South-Kivu provinces. While figures like Nangaa and former President Joseph Kabila reportedly seek to extend their influence toward Kinshasa, many within the M23 oppose any military operations beyond their traditional strongholds.

Military expansion plans spark internal strife

One of the most contentious issues involves the AFC/M23’s proposed military expansion. The report notes that several high-ranking members, including Nangaa and Kabila, have ambitions to leverage the movement’s strength for broader political gains. However, this strategy faces strong opposition from the movement’s military leadership, who argue that expanding operations would overextend their forces and risk alienating key allies.

These disagreements have led to a breakdown in cohesion, with some factions accusing others of prioritizing personal ambitions over the movement’s stated objectives. The document also reveals allegations of favoritism toward Tutsi officers and fighters in resource distribution, further exacerbating internal fractures.

Resource rivalries fuel further divisions

The AFC/M23 controls vast territories rich in minerals such as coltan, gold, and cobalt. The report details how access to and control over these resources have become a major source of conflict within the movement. The territory is divided into three “defense zones,” each led by a different commander:

• Zone 1 (Nyiragongo, Rutshuru, Lubero): Commanded by “General” Baudoin Ngaruye
• Zone 2 (Masisi, Walikale): Led by Brigadier General Justin Gacheri Musanga
• Zone 3 (South-Kivu): Under the control of “General” Innocent Byamungu

The AFC/M23’s fighting force is estimated at 30,000 combatants, comprising former members of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP) and the original M23, alongside recruits mobilized since 2021—many from the Rwandan diaspora and refugee camps. The report also notes the integration of former Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) soldiers, National Police officers, and Wazalendo militia members who defected or were captured after the fall of Goma.

Regional tensions complicate peace efforts

The AFC/M23 continues to receive support from the Rwandan government and intelligence services, according to the report. This backing has further strained relations between Kinshasa and Kigali, complicating the implementation of agreements like the Washington Accord and the Doha Process.

The Washington Accord, signed at the ministerial level, aimed to de-escalate tensions, but differing interpretations of its terms by both governments have hindered progress. Similarly, the Doha Process, mediated by Qatar, has made little headway, with AFC/M23 and Kinshasa unable to bridge key differences. The recent deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East has further sidelined these negotiations, delaying critical mediation efforts.

As the humanitarian and security crisis in eastern DRC continues to worsen, the AFC/M23’s internal divisions—exacerbated by military ambitions and resource rivalries—pose a significant obstacle to stability in the region. The United Nations’ findings underscore the urgent need for both internal reconciliation within the movement and renewed diplomatic engagement to address the broader conflict.