In response to an article questioning his alleged ties with Corneille Nangaa, the Haut-Uele provincial government’s communication cell has issued a strong rebuttal. The full statement, provided by Muammar Awoni, head of the Cellule de Communication, is reproduced below.

First, the claim that economic paralysis gripped Isiro, Haut-Uele’s capital, on June 17, 2026, is entirely unfounded. Local stakeholders confirm that no such disruption occurred. Similarly, reports of school closures are misleading—June marks the end of the academic year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and no marches or protests took place in Isiro on the specified date.

More critically, the article suggested Governor Jean Bakomito Gambu’s alleged proximity to Corneille Nangaa. However, no verifiable evidence supports this claim. The Governor, a key figure in the Grand Orientale region, has consistently advocated for peace and actively countered destabilizing forces aligned with foreign actors, including those linked to Paul Kagame. Nangaa is widely perceived as a central figure behind the violence in eastern DRC, orchestrated through the M23/AFC alliance, which has claimed thousands of lives.

The Governor’s commitment to restoring security is evident. Recent urban banditry in Isiro, which briefly disrupted public order, has been swiftly addressed, with no major incidents reported. In Watsa territory, particularly Mungbere, where suspected ADF incursions occurred, military operations remain under control thanks to the professionalism of the FARDC. The deployment of the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, responsible for operations and intelligence, underscores the government’s prioritization of security in the province. Ongoing clearance operations aim to ensure lasting peace and facilitate the return of displaced populations.

In this effort, Governor Bakomito has bolstered the FARDC’s capabilities by providing vehicles and essential logistical support to enhance field operations.

The accusations leveled against the provincial leadership appear baseless and seem designed to tarnish his reputation. The Governor remains steadfast in his mission to defend the province against internal and external threats. Despite smear campaigns, he continues to uphold the vision of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi for peace, security, and development in the DRC.

In the spirit of journalistic integrity, we urge media outlets to exercise greater diligence in verifying facts before publishing allegations that may harm the dignity of individuals or institutions.

Muammar Awoni, Head of the Haut-Uele Provincial Government Communication Cell