Goma International Airport was closed on January 26, 2025, following intense clashes between M23 and DRC government forces, which resulted in the fall of Goma city to the rebels.
In a statement issued on Sunday, November 16, the rebel coalition said President Félix Tshisekedi's government lacks both the 'legitimacy' and the authority to decide on the fate of infrastructure located in what it described as 'liberated territory.'
According to the statement, the airport, currently under AFC/M23 control, 'can and will be reopened solely by AFC/M23, not by Mr Tshisekedi Tshilombo or any other party,' accusing the government of having previously 'plundered and sabotaged' the facility.
Monitoring military movements
The group also addressed the broader security situation, stating that it continues to monitor the deployment of Congolese forces, military equipment and logistics support to what it described as 'mercenaries' aligned with Kinshasa. The rebel coalition reaffirmed that its units remain stationed across the front lines and are closely observing the operations of the government-led coalition forces.
Rwanda Dispute 'Not Our Concern'
AFC/M23 further distanced itself from the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, saying the tensions 'in no way concern' the rebel movement.
'The Kinshasa regime alone is responsible for its actions toward neighbouring states,' the statement read, insisting that the DRC government should resolve the dispute without attempting to 'involve our organisation.'
The strongly worded declaration comes only days after the DRC government and AFC/M23 signed the Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Doha, Qatar, described as one of the most significant steps toward resolving the eastern DRC conflict in years.
The agreement, signed on Saturday, was hailed by regional and international partners as a major step toward stabilising a region that has suffered cycles of conflict and humanitarian crises for over two decades.
U.S. Senior Advisor for African Affairs Massad Boulos described the framework as one that 'charts a clear path toward a peace accord,' noting that both sides had committed to upholding the ceasefire, ending hostilities, and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Boulos outlined eight key protocols embedded in the framework, explaining that they include provisions for prisoner exchanges, mechanisms for ceasefire monitoring and verification, expanded humanitarian access, and the restoration of state authority. The framework also covers the disarmament and reintegration of armed groups, the return of displaced populations, measures to support economic recovery, and initiatives aimed at promoting justice and reconciliation.
'These obligations will strengthen the foundation for peace, stability, and the rebuilding of trust in affected communities,' Boulos said, expressing appreciation to Qatar for its mediation.
Phased implementation roadmap
AFC/M23 Permanent Secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa confirmed that each protocol will be implemented progressively under a phased roadmap. A final peace agreement will only be signed once both sides have met all obligations under the framework.
Among the commitments is a plan to jointly restore state institutions and public services in eastern DRC, envisioned to roll out in stages. Another protocol sets out temporary security arrangements to maintain calm and protect civilians during the transition.
The parties also agreed to create an independent national commission tasked with advancing truth, reconciliation, accountability for crimes and preparing the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.
The signing ceremony in Doha was witnessed by Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, and Massad Boulos, Advisor to the U.S. President on African Affairs.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
