The demonstrations were organized by civil society organizations operating in the two cities, which are under the control of AFC/M23. Organizers described the sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council on AFC/M23 Coordinator Corneille Nangaa, the coalition's intelligence chief, Col. Nzenze Imani, and MRDP Twirwaneho commander Brig. Gen. Charles Sematama as biased.
The civil society groups also accused President Tshisekedi of seeking to remain in power beyond the constitutional two-term limit by changing the Constitution. They argued that his administration has failed to govern effectively and called for him to step down in favor of new leadership.
Ahead of the demonstrations, on July 27, representatives of the civil society organizations formally notified the mayors of Goma and Bukavu, requesting authorization to hold the protests and ensure the safety of participants. Local authorities reportedly assured them that security would be provided.
Following days of mobilization, large crowds gathered in both cities, with demonstrators expressing support for AFC/M23 and seeking to show that areas under the coalition's control have remained peaceful since early last year. Protesters contrasted the security situation in those areas with territories controlled by the Kinshasa government.
Many demonstrators carried placards denouncing President Tshisekedi's administration, the long-running attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Beni, North Kivu Province, and military operations by the Congolese government in Minembwe Commune in South Kivu Province.
Some banners read, 'We reject the UN sanctions imposed on AFC/M23 members without any valid justification.' Others claimed that since AFC/M23 took control of Goma and Bukavu, the cities have become more secure and united, with improved access to clean water, electricity and continued development.
In Goma, protesters displayed banners stating: 'We, the people of North Kivu Province, reject the constitutional amendment project and the Kinshasa government's actions aimed at destabilizing areas where AFC/M23 has restored security.'
Speaking during the protest in Bukavu, one civil society representative said the demonstrators opposed constitutional changes and wanted peace through dialogue.
'We are demonstrating because we reject any amendment to the Constitution and we want peace. We want negotiations to begin as soon as possible so that lasting peace can be achieved,' she said.
She also criticized the UN sanctions, saying: 'How can you sanction a citizen in a sovereign country? It is unacceptable for this to happen to a Congolese citizen who is fighting for his rights, seeking peace and advocating peaceful coexistence.'
North Kivu Deputy Governor Manzi Willy expressed support for the demonstrations, arguing that what he described as one-sided sanctions would not contribute to peace in the DRC.
'A conflict involves two parties, yet only one continues to face punitive measures while the other is spared comparable scrutiny,' Manzi said.
'Such an approach is unlikely to advance peace; it risks deepening divisions and undermining confidence in the negotiation process.'
