AFC/M23 rebels are continuing their push to establish a separate judicial system in areas they control in North Kivu, a move the Kinshasa government has denounced as unlawful.
The group recently swore in 378 newly selected magistrates, with the final list released Monday night in Goma.
Elie Mutela, the rapporteur of the AFC/M23 Justice Revival Commission, explained, “According to the constitution, no one should be denied access to justice. That is why, within AFC/M23, we are focused on reviving the justice sector so every person with disputes or cases can appear before their rightful judges.”
Movement leaders say the recruitment is part of ongoing activities spearheaded by the Justice Revival Commission (CRJ), set up several months ago by the group. The selection started on September 14 with exams to choose magistrates, who now insist they are ready to take full charge of judicial duties in territories under M23 control.
Lawyer Jason Kalegamire stated, “Those responsible for delivering justice are not present, and we cannot simply leave people to fend for themselves. That’s why we answered AFC/M23’s call.”
Since the rebels seized control of Goma last January, the city has faced unusual challenges. Over two million people have been left without state-run judicial services, while the already struggling economy has worsened due to ongoing bank closures. Residents remain cautious about this new justice system created by the rebels.
Civil society representative Gueul Mamulaka expressed uncertainty: “This sounds positive, but we are also shocked. It feels contradictory. M23 wants to create its own justice structure, while Kinshasa rejects it. These conflicting messages confuse us. We do not know what to believe or how the situation will unfold. Justice is a good thing, but we are unsure.”
The central government has hit back hard, declaring all judicial acts done by AFC/M23-appointed magistrates null and void. Kinshasa views this move as a serious breach of national sovereignty and a violation of the state’s exclusive right to administer justice.
