Bukavu witnessed a significant development on Saturday afternoon as over 500 Congolese police officers officially surrendered to the Armed Forces of Congo (AFC)/M23. The officers, who had been in hiding, emerged after AFC/M23 declared an official halt to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government’s services and administration in the region.
The surrender took place in full view of Bukavu residents, with the officers being transported in trucks to a designated reception point. They were formally received by General Bernard Byamungu, a senior AFC/M23 commander, who addressed them before they were dispatched for a refresher course ahead of their integration into M23 ranks.
During the briefing, Gen. Byamungu emphasized that their decision to join was voluntary, prompting a resounding “No, sir,” from the assembled officers when he asked whether they had been coerced. The atmosphere was marked by cheers from onlookers as the officers, appearing clean, organized, and enthusiastic, prepared to transition into their new roles under AFC/M23.
The policy shift by AFC/M23, which deemed all DRC government civil servants irrelevant except for health workers, teachers, and utility providers, played a key role in the officers’ decision to surrender. The group’s takeover of administrative functions in the region has led to significant realignments within local governance structures.
This latest development marks another chapter in the ongoing power struggle in eastern DRC, with AFC/M23 consolidating its influence as it continues to assert control over territories previously under the Congolese government.