The March 23 Movement/Alliance Fleuve Congo (M23/AFC) rebels have imposed a ban on the sale of wild meat from Kahuzi-Biega National Park in South Kivu Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Located on the western shores of Lake Kivu near Bukavu town, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity.
It is home to several rare and endangered species, including eastern lowland gorillas, eastern chimpanzees, the eastern needle-clawed galago, bongo antelope, Alexander’s bush squirrel, Maclaud’s horseshoe bat, bush elephants, bush buffalo, and the rare dwarf buffalo.
Communities living around the park have traditionally engaged in hunting primates and elephants for both subsistence and commercial purposes.
However, in a statement dated April 9, 2026, Patrick Busu Bwa Ngwi Nashombo, the M23/AFC-appointed governor of South Kivu Province, announced a strict prohibition on the commercialization of game meat originating from the park across the entire province.
The ban also extends to the sale of charcoal, timber planks, and all other products derived from the park, locally known as PNKB.
According to Nashombo, the directive aims to conserve, protect, and promote natural heritage for the well-being of communities in South Kivu and surrounding areas.
He warns that offenders would face severe punishment in accordance with the law.
“In the objective of conserving, protecting, and promoting natural heritage for the well-being of the population in South Kivu Province and its surroundings, the public is hereby informed that the commercialization of game meat, charcoal, timber planks, and all products originating from Kahuzi-Biega National Park (PNKB) is strictly prohibited throughout the entire province. Offenders will be severely punished in accordance with the law,” Nashombo states.
The ban has raised questions about the long-term intentions of the M23/AFC rebels in areas under their control.
This comes amid renewed tensions, as peace talks between the Congolese government and the rebels are scheduled to begin in Switzerland on April 13, 2026, after being moved from Doha.
Despite the planned dialogue, heavy fighting was reported on Friday afternoon in Minembwe and surrounding areas.
According to local sources, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and allied forces used fighter jets to strike M23/AFC positions.
M23/AFC spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the clashes in a statement released Friday night, accusing the Kinshasa government of committing a serious provocation and undermining prospects for a peaceful resolution.
The resurgence of violence threatens ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which has been marked by repeated ceasefire violations from both sides.
The M23/AFC group, which re-emerged in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, has continued to clash with government forces.
The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels,allegations denied by both Kigali and the M23/AFC.
The rebel group maintains that its struggle is aimed at combating corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s leadership.
In early 2025, it launched a rapid offensive in eastern Congo, capturing several strategic towns, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict. URN