The Alliance Fleuve Congo-M23 (AFC-M23), the rebel coalition controlling parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has announced the appointment of new officials to oversee its Justice and Human Rights Department in areas under its control.
In a decision signed in Goma on August 5, 2026, the movement named Me Jean-Philippe Chubaka Mashamba as the Head of the Justice and Human Rights Department.
The appointments were made under Decision No. 115/COORD-POL/AFC-M23/SB/2026, which establishes the department’s leadership to oversee justice administration and human rights affairs in territories controlled by the alliance.
The decision also appointed two deputy department heads. Me Jean-Paul Shyaka was named Deputy Head in charge of Judicial Reforms, while Me Emmanuel Mugisa Tibasima was appointed Deputy Head responsible for Human Rights.
According to the document, the appointments are intended to strengthen access to justice, promote social cohesion and reconciliation, and respond to the justice needs of communities living in areas under AFC-M23 administration.
The decision cites the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the AFC-M23 founding charter, and an earlier resolution establishing a commission to oversee the restoration of the justice system in territories under the movement’s control.
It states that the alliance considers justice a fundamental pillar for stability, equity and social progress, and says the appointments are aimed at improving the delivery of fair and accessible justice in the areas it administers.
The decision was signed by Bertrand Bisimwa, President of M23 and Deputy Coordinator of AFC in charge of Political, Administrative, Legal and Diplomatic Affairs, and approved by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the Political Coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo-Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC-M23).
The appointments take immediate effect, with the alliance’s Permanent Secretary tasked with implementing the decision.
