In an interview with IGIHE, Mayor Katembo stated that prior to AFC/M23's takeover, the Congolese government had deployed fighters from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) in Goma, alongside the national army (FARDC) and Wazalendo militias, contributing to insecurity in the city.
'They brought the FDLR into the city,' Katembo said. 'The FDLR is a foreign armed group, not Congolese. The Kinshasa government armed them to fight the Congolese, us, the AFC/M23. Those weapons were used to kill people here in Goma.'
According to the mayor, the Congolese government's cooperation with the FDLR, Wazalendo militias, Burundian troops, forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and European mercenaries was intended to protect President Félix Tshisekedi's administration rather than ensure civilian security.
He noted that abuses were widespread. 'Wherever the Wazalendo passed, they destroyed property, killed civilians, and looted. That was also the case with FARDC and the FDLR,' he said.
AFC/M23 seized control of Goma on January 27, 2025, following clashes with a coalition of Congolese government forces. Mayor Katembo said restoring security was the group's immediate priority, including collecting weapons left throughout the city.
'When I assumed office, for two to three months, we collected between 30 and 40 weapons per day,' he said. 'Weapons were being picked up from the streets across all neighbourhoods of Goma. At the time, the city was hosting more than 40,000 soldiers.'
Cross-border trade between Goma and Rubavu
Goma and Rubavu, a Rwandan border town, are often described as twin cities due to their close proximity. The two are separated by the La Corniche main border post and the Grande Barrière crossing, which facilitate significant cross-border trade and movement involving Congolese, Rwandans, and foreign nationals.
Mayor Katembo said that restrictions imposed by the Congolese government, including the closure of banks, had disrupted daily life and commerce in Goma, prompting AFC/M23 to seek cooperation with neighbouring Rwanda to ease trade.
'We share a border with Rwanda, specifically with Rubavu,' he said. 'Good neighbourly relations are a basic principle between countries. Rwanda is our neighbour today and tomorrow. Cooperation and peaceful coexistence are essential.'
He noted that the cost of the CPGL border pass, previously between 12 and 20 US dollars, has been reduced to 5 dollars under AFC/M23 administration.
According to Katembo, another travel document used as a passport substitute previously cost between 45 and 60 dollars when the Congolese government controlled Goma. That fee has now been reduced to 25 dollars.
AFC/M23 leader Corneille Nangaa has stated that more than 40,000 people cross the shared borders with Rwanda at Rubavu and Rusizi every day.
Measures to combat drug trafficking
Drug trafficking, particularly cannabis smuggling into Rwanda via unofficial border routes, has long been a security concern along the Rwandaâ€"DRC border, especially in the Rubavu area.
Authorities in Rubavu District have previously cited legal discrepancies between the two countries as a major challenge, noting that substances illegal in Rwanda may be permitted in the DRC, complicating joint enforcement efforts.
Mayor Katembo said addressing drug use and trafficking is a priority for AFC/M23, emphasizing the need for reforms in areas under its control to ensure long-term stability and youth protection.
Public awareness campaigns have been launched to discourage drug consumption and trade, he said, alongside efforts to identify and shut down illicit production of strong alcoholic beverages.
'As the leadership of Goma City, our focus today is combating drugs such as cannabis,' Katembo said. 'People may come and go, but institutions remain.'
He warned that individuals found violating anti-drug and alcohol regulations in Goma will be arrested and detained at Munzenze Prison.
IGIHE
