In June 2025, AFC/M23 claimed control over approximately 34,000 square kilometers of territory in North and South Kivu provinces, home to more than 11 million people.
While the coalition has already installed a governance structure that includes political leadership and provincial governors, it has yet to implement a formal justice system. This gap has reportedly allowed lawlessness and impunity in some areas.
To address the issue, AFC/M23 formed a special commission to assess the feasibility of creating a judicial framework. The commission has submitted its recommendations to the coalition's top leadership for review and approval.
Key leaders involved in this process include AFC coordinator Corneille Nangaa, his deputy and M23 political head Bertrand Bisimwa, M23 military commander Gen Sultani Makenga, and deputy military commander Brig Gen Bernard Byamungu.
Délion Kimbulungu, AFC Permanent Secretary and chair of the commission, said, 'The proposal includes the re-establishment of civilian and military courts, local tribunals, and other essential justice institutions.'
AFC/M23 maintains that it has restored peace and security in the areas it controls and insists it is better positioned to establish effective governance structures than the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi.
IGIHE
