The announcement was made on February 5, 2025, in a statement shared on X by AFC/M23’s political spokesperson, Laurence Kanyuka.

The appointments follow M23’s recent seizure of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, on January 27, 2025.

The group’s takeover included key infrastructure such as the North Kivu branch of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national broadcaster (RTNC), Goma International Airport, and other strategic locations.

Before capturing Goma, M23 had already taken control of several towns, including Minova in Kalehe Territory, the city of Sake, and other areas in North Kivu Province.

Bahati’s appointment comes after the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami, the former Governor of North Kivu.

Cirimwami was shot by M23 forces in Kasengezi while coordinating the Wazalendo militia, the FDLR, and the Congolese army against M23. Reports indicate that he was killed while assessing his troops’ performance on the battlefield.

Following his death, President Félix Tshisekedi appointed Major General Evariste Somo Kakule as his replacement.

Kakule’s appointment was preceded by a presidential decree promoting him from Brigadier General to Major General on January 28, 2025.

Life has returned to normalcy after the recent fall of Goma city to M23.