A military court sitting in Ndolo Military prison-Kinshasha, Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) has revealed that the March 23 Movement (M23 and Congo River/ Alliance Fleuve (River) Congo (AFC) rebel leaders will be tried in absence over the ongoing war in North Kivu province.
The hearing of 25 suspects started on Wednesday in the presence of Minister of Justice, Constant Mutamba, and the head of the Congolese military prosecutor’s office, Jean-René Likulia.
Speaking during the opening, Mutamba revealed that Nangaa, who is the former Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) President and the head of AFC, Bertrand Bisimwa, M23 President, General Sultani Emmanuel Makenga, the military commander, Lieutenant Colonel Willy Ngoma, military spokesperson, Colonel Bernard Biyamungu and Henri Maggie are on the list of those who will be tried.
Nangaa’s wife, Yvette Lubanda Nazinda who is alleged to be in exile in one of the countries in Europe is also on the list. Other M23-AFC rebels’ accomplices to face trial in absence are Monkango Nganga Brenda, Ilunga Kalonzo André, Tshibimba Kalonji Ange, Maggie Walifetu Henri, Biyoyo Yahunze Josué, Chalwe Munkuntu Adam, Alumba Lukamba Omokoko, Tshisola Yannick, Kaj Kayembe Fanny, Mamba Kabamba Jean Jacques Lubala Ntwali Fabrice, Lawrence Kanyuka, Délion Kimbulungu and Paluku Kavunh Magloire.
During the session, five of the accused were paraded. They are: Eric Nkuba Shebandu alias Malembe, AFC‘s strategic advisor who was arrested from Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam in April 2024, Nicaisse Samafu Makinu, Nangaa Baseyane, Nkangya Nyamacho alias Microbe and Safari Bishori Luc. They were charged with war crimes, participation in a criminal group, and treason.
M23-AFC is yet to release a statement about the trial. The trial comes at a time when the two parties are implementing a humanitarian truce requested by the United States government. The truce scheduled to end on August 2, is aimed at allowing displaced civilians access to humanitarian aid. But the truce has been marred by counter-accusations between both parties of violation.
On Wednesday, gunfire was heard in Kinyandonyi near the town of Kiwanja, Rutshuru territory, as FARDC’s coalition “wazalendo” (patriots) battle M23 rebels.
The conflict between M23 and the Congolese government began in March 2022, led by Bisimwa and Makenga. The DR Congo government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that both Rwanda and M23 deny.
The rebels assert that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DR Congo’s leadership. The situation remains tense as the international community calls for restraint and a peaceful resolution to the conflict, while the local population continues to bear the brunt of the violence.
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