Climate Action: AFC/M23 Implements a Genuine Prevention Policy
We have won the war against insecurity in Goma, and against the Ebola virus in the liberated zones. We now face the challenge of development and environmental protection
This Saturday, August 22, 2026, the Deputy Coordinator of the AFC/M23 in charge of political, administrative, legal, and diplomatic affairs, Bertrand Bisimwa, actively participated in the 'Goma Green City' campaign, an initiative launched by the mayor's office of Goma.
This initiative aims to protect areas under AFC/M23 control from the adverse effects of climate change through tree planting. It should be noted that the city of Goma, administered by the AFC/M23, is renowned for its cleanliness and sanitation the results of a revolutionary policy implemented by the AFC/M23 authorities that has garnered favorable reception and widespread public support.
The Deputy Coordinator of the AFC/M23 was accompanied by members of the AFC/M23 political coordination, including Professor Stanislas Baleke, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Political Coordination; Mr. Lawrence Kanyuka, Head of the AFC/M23 Communication Department; the Deputy Permanent Secretary; the Mayor of the City of Goma; as well as other AFC/M23 officials.
Joining them were several local associations and NGOs from Goma that endorsed the initiative and expressed their desire to support the senior leadership of the AFC/M23 in this endeavor.
The kickoff took place in the ULPGL neighborhood, where a large crowd gathered to accompany Deputy Coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa and his delegation on this tree-planting campaign.
Over the course of several kilometers, Deputy Coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa supervised the activity while leading by example. Following his lead, members of his delegation, transport union associations from Goma, various other NGOs, local residents stepping out of their properties, and children whom Deputy Coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa took care to educate with exceptional pedagogy all participated in planting trees.
Addressing the local population, the Deputy Coordinator of the AFC/M23 explained the underlying rationale of this environmental protection and climate action initiative. Citing examples of the consequences of deforestation elsewhere, he urged the residents of Goma to preserve and uphold the city's prestigious image.
He informed the public that no one is permitted to cut down a tree without prior authorization from the mayor's office of Goma, and that every felled tree requires the planting of two new ones.
“We have won the war against insecurity in Goma, and against the Ebola virus in the liberated zones. We now face the challenge of development and environmental protection, and the involvement of every individual is indispensable. The objective of the AFC/M23 senior leadership is to transform Goma, Bukavu, and other zones not yet liberated though they will be very soon into havens of peace, development, and high quality of life. ”
Throughout his tour, Deputy Coordinator Bertrand Bisimwa made numerous stops to listen to the grievances and requests of the local population.
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