The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebellion has appointed new leaders for North Kivu Province in eastern DR Congo, 10 days after they captured the provincial capital, Goma. In a February 5 announcement, the rebel leaders said there was “a need and urgency to organize the territorial administration in the Democratic Republic of Congo.” ALSO READ: Timeline of events before and after M23 entered Goma Joseph Bahati Musanga was appointed governor of North Kivu, according to the announcement signed by AFC coordinator Corneille Nangaa and his deputy and president of M23, Bertrand Bisimwa. Willy Manzi Ngarambe was appointed vice-governor in charge of political, administrative, and legal affairs, while Shaddrak Amani Bahati, was appointed vice-governor in charge of economic, financial and development affairs. ALSO READ: M23 rebels declare unilateral ceasefire The rebels took control of Goma on January 27, after fighting the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) coalition which comprises forces from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Burundian forces and armed groups such as the genocidal FDLR and Wazalendo as well as European mercenaries. The new development came as amid reports of renewed fighting in South Kivu, one day after M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire. Reports indicate that the rebels have taken control of Nyabibwe town in Kalehe territory. The Congolese government coalition had not accepted the ceasefire.
