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New study sheds light on a de facto state in eastern Congo
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Pressemitteilungen - idw - Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Instanz: TeilenTeilen:New study sheds light on a de facto state in eastern CongoTheresa Hübner PressestelleUniversität Bayreuth10.08.2026 09:19A Congolese-German research team involving the University of Bayreuth has examined how the AFC/M23 rebel movement governs the eastern Congolese city of Goma.
The researchers show how, since taking control of the city in January 2025, the movement has gradually established administrative, security, taxation, and public-service structures—effectively creating a “de facto state.”
The study aims to explain how this form of de facto rule operates and how it affects the daily lives of local residents.
“What we are seeing in Goma is a process of institutionalization that goes beyond mere military control and reveals elements of a ‘de facto state’,” says Doevenspeck.
“Our study shows that AFC/M23 has taken over key state functions in Goma and is thus exercising a form of de facto sovereignty.