Former South Kivu governor Marcelin Cishambo joins AFC/M23 rebellion
Cishambo was governor in South Kivu, which is largely controlled by the rebels, from July 2010 to August 2017.
The former Governor of eastern DR Congo’s South Kivu Province, Marcelin Cishambo, has joined the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), according to rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.
In a June 4 post on X, Kanyuka confirmed the arrival in Goma, the rebel-held capital of North Kivu Province, “of the Honorary Governor of South Kivu, Marcelin Cishambo, and a delegation composed of political figures, businessmen, members of the opposition, and members of the diaspora.”
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“The AFC/M23 calls on all patriots to follow suit.”
Cishambo was governor in South Kivu, which is largely controlled by the rebels, from July 2010 to August 2017.
Former Congolese President Joseph Kabila also joined the rebels last month. Kabila’s return to Goma came barely two days after he accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s government for populism, lies, arrogance, institutionalisation of tribalism and nepotism, and impunity, among other ills, that destroyed national cohesion as well as rendered the country fragile and vulnerable.
Kabila, 53, ruled DR Congo between from 2001 to January 2019, when he was succeeded by the incumbent, Tshisekedi.
The two fell out later, with Kabila accusing Tshisekedi of violating an agreement that brought him to power. Tshisekedi has accused Kabila of backing the AFC/M23 rebels.
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