Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the AFC-M23 alliance, attended the graduation ceremony at the Catholic University of Goma on Friday, July 31, 2026, where he emphasized the importance of young graduates in shaping the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
His participation in the event was presented by AFC-M23 as part of its efforts to engage directly with communities and young people in areas under its administration.
Addressing graduates and university officials, Nangaa encouraged academic excellence and underscored the responsibility of educated youth to contribute to the country’s reconstruction and development.
The ceremony brought together graduating students, faculty members, families and local leaders to celebrate the achievements of the university’s newest alumni.
According to AFC-M23, Nangaa’s attendance reflects what the movement describes as a governance approach centered on maintaining close contact with citizens, including students, local communities and other stakeholders, rather than limiting leadership engagements to official functions.
The group said such interactions are intended to strengthen dialogue with communities and encourage young professionals to play an active role in addressing the social and economic challenges facing the country.
The event comes as AFC-M23 continues to project its administrative activities in territories under its control, alongside the broader political and security dynamics that continue to shape eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Congolese government considers the AFC-M23 movement an armed rebellion and disputes its claims of legitimate governance, while the conflict in eastern DRC remains the subject of ongoing regional peace efforts and international diplomatic engagement.