The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has issued a statement defending its actions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), arguing that its movement is rooted in what it describes as a constitutional obligation to oppose the unlawful exercise of political power. The announcement comes amid the country’s ongoing political and security crisis, which continues to fuel tensions between the Congolese government and the armed coalition operating in parts of eastern DRC.
In its statement, AFC/M23 alleged that President Félix Tshisekedi sought to consolidate his hold on power following the December 2023 general elections, which the movement characterized as a disputed electoral process. According to AFC/M23, the elections were designed to strengthen the president’s political position and create conditions that could allow him to remain in office beyond constitutional limits. The movement further claimed that the country’s leadership has become increasingly focused on preserving centralized authority, arguing that constitutional safeguards intended to regulate presidential tenure are under growing pressure.
AFC/M23 said it concluded that the political situation required decisive action and maintained that its decision to launch what it describes as a revolutionary struggle was guided by a sense of responsibility to the Congolese people, history, and its interpretation of the country’s Constitution. The movement specifically cited Article 64, Paragraph 1, of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which states that every Congolese citizen has a duty to oppose any individual or group that seizes power by force or exercises authority in violation of the Constitution. AFC/M23 argued that this constitutional provision forms the legal and moral basis for its actions.
The statement reflects AFC/M23’s broader position that the DRC’s political challenges extend beyond military confrontation and are rooted in governance, constitutional order, and democratic accountability. The movement called for what it described as meaningful political change, insisting that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through respect for constitutional principles and inclusive national dialogue.
The security situation in eastern DRC remains volatile despite ongoing regional mediation initiatives aimed at securing a durable ceasefire and advancing political dialogue. International actors have continued to encourage all parties to pursue peaceful solutions, respect existing agreements, and engage in negotiations intended to reduce violence and address the underlying causes of the conflict.
