RDC East: M23/AFC Now Rejects Kinshasa-Issued Travel Documents, Requires Its Own Visas
By: Mangwa • Published: 1 Oct 2025
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M23/AFC says it will no longer accept DRC government visas in areas it controls, requiring its own entry visa instead. Move deepens de-facto separation between Kinshasa and rebel-held zones.
What’s new
Armed group M23/AFC has announced it will no longer accept travel documents or visas issued by the DRC government for entry into territories under its control in eastern Congo. In a note attributed to political coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa, the movement says all foreign nationals must now obtain a visa issued by M23/AFC to access those zones.
The group frames the decision as “reciprocity,” after Kinshasa stopped recognizing M23/AFC administrative papers earlier this year.
Where this applies
The policy targets rebel-held zones around and beyond Goma and Bukavu in North Kivu and South Kivu. Kinshasa remains the seat of the national government (Kinshasa).
Exceptions
According to the note, United Nations personnel traveling on service passports or with courtesy visas will continue to receive access without conditions.
Why it matters
- Administrative split: Replacing DRC visas with rebel visas entrenches a parallel authority, hardening the de-facto separation between areas controlled by Kinshasa and those under M23/AFC.
- Humanitarian impact: Residents already face multiple checkpoints, unofficial taxes, and movement restrictions. Aid logistics into places like Masisi and Walikale could be further complicated.
- Regional ripples: Neighboring states take divergent approaches—Rwanda and Uganda have tolerated some M23/AFC documents, while Burundi reportedly shut its border to holders of such papers.
The bigger picture
The move comes amid stalled Washington and Doha tracks meant to de-escalate fighting between the DRC and the M23, which Kinshasa says is backed by Kigali. On the ground, front lines continue to shift in North Kivu and South Kivu, keeping civilians at risk and complicating governance, justice, and service delivery.
At a glance
- Policy: M23/AFC rejects DRC-issued visas in rebel-held areas; requires M23/AFC visas instead.
- Exception: UN staff with service/courtesy visas.
- Risks: Tighter movement controls, deeper administrative fragmentation, heavier burden on civilians and aid groups.
- Regional angle: Mixed recognition by neighbors (Rwanda/Uganda vs. Burundi).
#DRC #M23 #AFC #Goma #Bukavu #Kivu #Kinshasa #HumanitarianAccess #Governance #GreatLakes
Author: Mangwa • Read more: MecaMediaAfrica.com