On Wednesday, February 5, the leadership of AFC/M23 announced the new leadership of North Kivu Province in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, just over a week after the group captured the strategic city of Goma, the provincial capital. This marks a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. While the military gains are undeniable, the true test of M23's leadership will lie in how they govern the territory they now control. The focus must shift from military victories to ensuring the well-being of the civilian population, which has suffered decades of oppression in so many ways. The group has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the people of North Kivu by prioritising their needs and ensuring their safety and security. This requires establishing law and order, which has been missing for years, protecting civilians from violence and exploitation, and providing essential services such as healthcare and education. Already, the signs are good. Just under a week after taking Goma, thousands of Internally Displaced People are returning to their homes in throngs, while city residents are already enjoying a night-long business cycle, which many have not known in their lifetime. M23 must continue to strive to win the hearts and minds of the local population. This requires a commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. The establishment of local administrations should be a participatory process that involves the input of local communities. Good enough, they have had an opportunity to test this in the liberated areas, and it has worked. It's crucial to remember that the capture of Goma is just the beginning. The true challenge lies in consolidating power responsibly and demonstrating a commitment to peace and reconciliation. M23 must break the cycle of violence and demonstrate that they are capable of governing effectively and inclusively. The path ahead will undoubtedly be challenging. However, by prioritising the needs of the people and demonstrating a commitment to good governance, M23 can begin to rebuild trust and lay the foundation for a more peaceful and prosperous future for the citizens. This requires a departure from the destructive path of previous regimes and a commitment to genuine dialogue and reconciliation with all stakeholders, including the Congolese government.
