One Year of Liberation: A Look Into Goma's Transformation Under AFC-M23

European Mercenaries surrender to M23 in Goma, January 2025

In a noteworthy communique issued January 26th 2026 by AFC-M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)-M23 reaffirmed its resolute commitment to the liberated territories of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), including the strategic city of Goma. The statement, titled as a "mise au point" or clarification, categorically rejects any withdrawal from liberated territories and highlights the restoration of stability, public services, and improved living conditions of civilians one year after the movement’s takeover in January 2025. This aligns with the on-the-ground realities, painting a true picture of Goma's shift from a city of violence and dysfunction under previous DRC government control to one of peace and progress. These current changes in Goma represent a liberation from years of oppression, ethnic hatred, DRC’s government use of mercenaries and armed militias and impunity.

From Chaos and Killings to Peace and Security

Prior to the AFC-M23's advance and liberation of Goma in January 2025, the city was gripped by tireless insecurity, where the Congolese military (FARDC), allied Wazalendo militias, and remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) genocidaire group carried out armed robberies, kidnappings, and civilian executions on a daily basis. Documented reports of killings, lynchings and cannibalism attributed to the Kinshasa regime’s coalition, created an atmosphere of terror that targeted civilians, particularly Kinyarwanda-speaking, Congolese Tutsi communities. The escalation in 2024-2025 reportedly led to thousands of deaths, with ethnic cleansing worsening. In stark contrast, the post-liberation year under AFC-M23 has ushered in what the group has called unprecedented peace in the region. Residents now sleep without worry as emphasized by civilian testimonials. Goma’s residents now experience stability, the restoration of normal life and security, free from the tribalism and brutality that once plagued it. AFC leader Corneille Nangaa stresses the importance of protecting Congolese civilians against threats like the FARDC’s indiscriminate bombings, Wazalendo militias, FDLR terrorists, and the importance of enabling refugees to return home. Nangaa further notes the resumption of daily life activities while allowing economic trade to flourish with lowered food prices and reliable utilities.

Reopening Schools and Reviving Institutions

Education suffered greatly under the pre-2025 regime, with schools interrupted amid constant fighting and displacements. Over 493,000 children in the region were out of school due to the conflict, as documented in relief efforts. AFC-M23 advocates argue that DRC government forces and Wazalendo militias used educational facilities as bases, further disrupting learning.Following liberation, AFC-M23 prioritized the reopening of public institutions, with schools resuming as early as February 2025. Public services are now functioning, and with the start of the first new school year under peaceful conditions, millions of students have returned to classrooms in territories under AFC-M23 control. Supporters argue that this notable change clearly differs from the instability that previously forced widespread closures. Goma’s liberation fosters renewed hope for a generation long denied consistent access to education.

Building a Working Administration

The Kinshasa regime in Goma was marked by inefficiency and corruption. Public services failed, with high customs fees and unreliable infrastructure compunding civilian hardships. In regards to this, AFC-M23 has established a state-like administration, installing it’s administration of officials and implementing taxes, mining regulations, reduced fees, stable electricity, uninterrupted water supply, and effective governance. This system has brought tangible benefits and is on the way to entrepreneurial rebuilding and long term development.

Expelling European Mercenaries

The pre-liberation period was tainted by foreign meddling, particularly through European mercenaries hired by the DRC government to bolster FARDC positions. These forces, numbering around 280-300 Romanians from the Agemira firm, heightened the conflict. The liberation of Goma led to their surrender and expulsion, a victory celebrated in the spirit of defending against external threats. Handed over through Rwanda for repatriation, their removal symbolized the end of a long history of foreign-backed oppression, not only in eastern DRC but in Africa.

Stopping Banyamulenge Execution

The Banyamulenge, a Congolese Tutsi herding community, has been facing a slow genocide. Executions by Wazalendo militias, FDLR terrorists (remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda), and FARDC units were rampant, fueled by anti-Tutsi hate speech and historical massacres dating back to the 1960s. Recent attacks from 2019-2024 include killings, lynchings, rapes, cannibalism, arson, abductions, and looting, displacing thousands. Under AFC-M23 control, these executions have ceased in liberated areas. AFC-M23’s pledge to defend and protect civilian populations implicitly includes the Banyamulenge, ensuring their safety in liberated zones amid the silence of the international community. There are no reports of post-2025 targeted killings in Goma, marking an end to the ethnic violence that once defined the region.

A Path Forward Despite Challenges

In January 2026 the AFC-M23 movement not only defends the gains in Goma but warns against any attempts by the Kinshasa regime to undermine this progress, labeling such efforts as indecent and revolting. As peace talks in Doha and Washington stall due to Kinshasa’s ceasefire violations and inconsistencies, the AFC-M23’s vision of a stable, self-governed eastern DRC continues. In spite of external voices focusing on governmental concerns, from the perspective of those in the liberated territories, the one year mark represents a rebirth—evidence that liberation can yield peace where governance once failed.