Tshisekedi Seizes Assets of M23 Leaders, Targets Corneille Nangaa’s Wealth

In a desperate move to weaken the M23 rebellion, President Félix Tshisekedi’s government has ordered the seizure of all assets linked to the movement, including the personal wealth of Corneille Nangaa, the political leader of Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which is allied with M23.

The decision, announced on Friday, January 31, 2025, by Justice Minister Constant Mutamba, places all of Nangaa’s wealth—hotels, transportation businesses, and other properties—under state control. Initially, the government planned to auction his assets, but authorities opted for full nationalization, turning his fortune into state property.

Corneille Nangaa, once a prominent political figure, served as the president of DRC’s electoral commission (CENI) during Joseph Kabila Kabange’s rule. After Kabila left power, Nangaa fled to Kenya and later emerged as a vocal opponent of Tshisekedi’s government, joining forces with M23 to push for political change.

His stance has now made him a target. A DRC high court, acting in his absence, sentenced him to death and ordered the seizure of his assets. Radio Okapi reports that the government had initially planned to sell his properties and use the proceeds to compensate victims of the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, but instead, authorities opted to absorb his wealth into the state.

Nangaa’s recent statements in Goma appear to have triggered the latest crackdown. Speaking at a press conference, he boldly reaffirmed his commitment to removing Tshisekedi’s administration, saying the fight would continue until Kinshasa is liberated.

Justice Minister Mutamba, responding to Nangaa’s remarks, took to X (formerly Twitter) to announce that Nangaa’s entire fortune—wherever it may be—now belongs to the Congolese state. This action signals Kinshasa’s increasing desperation to contain M23, which has continued to gain ground despite government resistance.

For now, Nangaa remains silent, but sources indicate he is still operating from rebel-held areas in eastern DRC. With the government tightening its grip, M23 remains defiant, determined to see its mission through as the battle for control over DRC’s future intensifies.