Corneille Nangaa, previously responsible for organizing a controversial election in 2018, is now leading a coalition against President Tshisekedi. His transition from electoral chief to insurgent leader is supported by Rwandan backing in a historically unstable region. With ambitions aimed at Kinshasa, Nangaa’s movement reflects deep-seated problems in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s governance and security.
In 2018, Corneille Nangaa played a significant role in the controversial election that resulted in President Felix Tshisekedi assuming power. Now, he is the leader of a coalition of Congolese politicians and rebel factions striving to eliminate Tshisekedi from office. His successful transition from electoral board chief to rebel leader is largely credited to his collaboration with Rwandan-supported insurgents, who have a history of insurgency in eastern Congo over the past two decades.
The focus of these Tutsi-led groups has been on seizing key towns such as Bukavu and Goma. Notably, on January 27, rebels from M23 captured Goma, causing mass displacement. With a change in appearance from formal suits to military attire, Nangaa’s ambitions extend beyond regional towns; he aims for Kinshasa, the epicenter of the prevailing issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nangaa stated, “Our objective is neither Goma nor Bukavu but Kinshasa, the source of all the problems,” emphasizing his view of a weak or absent state enabling the rise of armed groups. He indicated that the rebellion is a broad-based national effort but chose not to elaborate on specific alliances.
The level of support for Nangaa’s Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which regards the M23 rebels as its military arm, is difficult to assess. However, U.N. experts reported an increasing number of armed factions aligning with them. International calls from the U.N. and various governments urge Rwanda to withdraw its estimated 3,000–4,000 troops involved in the conflict.
While acknowledging the presence of Rwandan forces, Nangaa mentioned possible support for the Kinshasa government from Burundi’s military forces, hinting at a broader regional conflict. Although Rwanda has historically denied its affiliation with these rebel groups, Burundi’s involvement as part of a regional peacekeeping contingent remains ambiguous.
Nangaa, originally a technocrat specializing in elections, was appointed to lead Congo’s electoral commission in 2015. He oversaw a 2018 election marred by fraud allegations, resulting in the controversial victory of Tshisekedi. Despite being sanctioned by the U.S. for misappropriating election funds, he distanced himself from the legitimacy of these results.
Following his removal from the election commission in 2021, Nangaa initially planned to run for election before pivoting towards establishing an alliance to oust Tshisekedi after a dispute over the 2018 election. In absentia, he was sentenced to death for war crimes and treason as the government accused former President Kabila of supporting Nangaa’s cause.
The AFC has extended its reach beyond the North Kivu area, securing alliances with various armed groups in Ituri and South Kivu. Diplomatic sources indicate the M23 has evolved beyond its origins as a Tutsi-led entity to encompass a variety of factions. Addressing the press, Nangaa expressed desire for stability, stating, “We want to reestablish order and give the Congolese people back a government. We don’t want to go from one conquest to the next.”
This article delves into the political and military landscape of the Democratic Republic of Congo, focusing on the transformation of Corneille Nangaa from the head of the electoral commission to a prominent figure in the rebel movement opposing President Felix Tshisekedi. It highlights the involvement of Rwandan-backed insurgents and the implications for regional stability, while also exploring Nangaa’s controversial electoral past and the legal challenges he faces.
In summary, Corneille Nangaa has made an unexpected shift from overseeing elections to leading a coalition seeking to challenge the Congolese government. His alliance with Rwandan-backed rebels and the complexities of the political situation underscore the ongoing challenges facing Congo. As Nangaa sets his sights on Kinshasa, the roots of instability and the potential for wider conflict in the region remain pressing issues.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
