M23 rebels are issuing their own ‘AFC-M23’ passports now
Fears of the country’s balkanisation are becoming increasingly tangible.
Prosper Heri Ngorora in New York
March 23 Movement (M23) rebels are locked in a military and diplomatic stalemate with the Congolese government; meanwhile, they have opened a new front: visas and mobility.
“Any foreign national wishing to enter the liberated areas must be in possession of a visa issued by the competent authorities of the AFC-M23,” the group announced early this month. “Liberated area” is how M23 leaders refer to the parts of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that they are militarily occupying. AFC-M23 is the name of the politico-military vehicle through which they engage the world.
The M23 justifies the measure on the grounds of “reciprocity”. In February 2025, after the fall of Goma, the Kinshasa government disowned all travel authorisations issued from M23-controlled areas.
“The fear of our country’s balkanisation is becoming increasingly tangible,” warns Dieumerci Munguakonkwa of Action for Democracy and Development, an opposition political party in the DRC. He describes the Kinshasa government’s response to M23 occupation as “lethargic and indecisive”.
The rebel group has begun issuing passport substitutes to DRC citizens in Goma. Resident Prince Ajabu got one. He says it cost him $45 and Ugandan authorities accepted it when he travelled to Kampala, showing tacit acceptance of DRC balkanisation in the region.
The United Nations also appears resigned to the new status quo. “Our humanitarian colleagues and our peacekeeping colleagues deal with the M23 as de facto authorities,” Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson of the UN secretary-general, told The Continent in New York this week. He said UN workers in other parts of the world under disputed administrations do the same.
M23 authorities told The Continent that UN personnel with service or official passports or courtesy visas will continue to enjoy free and unrestricted access to areas they control, for the purpose of protecting and assisting civilian populations.