M23 Rebels Establish Parallel State in Eastern Congo

M23 Rebels Establish Parallel State in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: UN Report

According to a new interim report by UN experts, the M23 rebel group is establishing parallel tax, judicial, and security authorities and seizing strategically important territories. The Tutsi-dominated M23, named after an incomplete 2009 peace agreement, is supported by Rwanda—an accusation Kigali denies, but which UN evidence supports. Both sides are accused of atrocities. M23 Seeks a Federal or Autonomous East, Deepening the Conflict The M23 rebels, supported by the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), have effectively established parallel state structures (administration parallèle) in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This process has accelerated since the massive offensive in early 2025, when the M23/AFC captured Goma (the capital of North Kivu) in January 2025 and Bukavu (the capital of South Kivu) in February – followed by other cities such as Masisi, Minova, Sake, Walikale, and, for a time, Uvira. The group has systematically assumed state functions and is establishing an alternative form of governance. According to a UN expert report (interim report, published in early January 2026), the goal is a long-term autonomous entity in the east – often described as "federalism," not outright secession. The current situation (January 2026) is as follows: Large parts of North Kivu (Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, Walikale) and South Kivu (including Bukavu and parts of Walungu) remain under M23/AFC control. Despite several ceasefire agreements (Washington with Rwanda in 2025, Doha with the M23/AFC under Qatari mediation), fighting continues – primarily against Wazalendo militias (pro-government) and the FARDC in areas such as Walungu, Rutshuru, and Walikale. The situation is catastrophic: hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced since January 2025 alone, and there are widespread cases of sexual violence (UNICEF: tens of thousands of cases in 2025), forced recruitment, executions, and looting. The UN Security Council, in Resolution 2773 (2025), demanded the immediate withdrawal of the M23 and the dismantling of the parallel administrations. The AU and many states condemn Rwandan support. The M23/AFC positions itself as an "alternative to the failed state" in Kinshasa – particularly in Tutsi-dominated areas and mine-ridden regions. Critics speak of de facto Balkanization and resource theft under Rwandan protection. The situation remains highly dynamic: Diplomacy (the Doha Process, the Luanda Process) and military reality are far apart. Genuine peace depends on the implementation of the agreements – so far without any visible success. Despite a US-brokered peace agreement signed last month between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda – Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 – and a separate Qatari-mediated process, the rebels are continuing to expand their control with Rwandan support, the report states. The group has consolidated control over key mineral resources, including vital resources such as the Twangiza gold mine, and controls significant portions of tin, tantalum, and wolframite production to finance its operations amidst the stalled diplomacy, according to experts. At the same time, the Congolese army continues to ally itself with the FDLR militia—linked to the Rwandan genocide—against the M23, despite promises of its neutralization, according to the UN report. The escalating conflict has led to numerous reports of atrocities against civilians and the displacement of millions of people. UN experts have identified a severe humanitarian crisis and the lack of effective enforcement mechanisms for implementing peace agreements.