Following an inquiry into whether “Insecurity in Isiro: Is Jean Bakomito Paving the Way for Corneille Nangaa?”, the Communication Unit of the Haut-Uele governorate swiftly issued a defensive response. Below is the full text provided by Muammar Awoni, head of this communication cell:

I wish to provide some clarifications regarding the article published by your outlet.

Firstly, contrary to what was reported, there was no paralysis of economic activities observed in Isiro, Haut-Uele province, on June 17, 2026. A thorough verification with local stakeholders would confirm that this information is not based on any proven facts.

Secondly, your article mentioned the absence of school activities. However, in line with the academic calendar of the Democratic Republic of Congo, educational institutions are typically concluding their academic year in June. Furthermore, no public march was organized in Isiro on June 17, 2026.

Therefore, on what objective grounds does your publication assert that Governor Jean Bakomito Gambu is a close associate or supporter of Corneille Nangaa?

It is important to reiterate that Governor Jean Bakomito Gambu’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace throughout Haut-Uele province is widely acknowledged. He stands among the leading figures in the Greater Oriental region who are actively mobilizing public awareness against the schemes of the Republic’s adversaries, particularly those allied with Paul Kagame, including Corneille Nangaa. The latter is now regarded by many Congolese as a primary orchestrator of the violence that has claimed thousands of lives in the eastern part of the country through attacks carried out by the AFC/M23.

In furtherance of this objective, instances of urban banditry that had temporarily disrupted the tranquility of Isiro have been brought under control, and no significant security incidents are currently reported there.

In the Watsa territory, specifically Mungbere, where incursions by suspected ADF elements were reported, the security situation remains under control thanks to the professional efforts of the FARDC. The presence of the FARDC Deputy Chief of General Staff for Operations and Intelligence in the province underscores the particular attention the President of the Republic dedicates to this security issue. Sweeping operations are ongoing to permanently restore peace and facilitate the return of displaced populations to their homes.

As part of this crucial security endeavor, Governor Jean Bakomito Gambu has provided the FARDC with several vehicles and significant logistical resources to enhance the effectiveness of their operations on the ground.

In light of these facts, the accusations leveled against the provincial authority appear unfounded and seem to stem more from a desire to tarnish his image in public opinion. This highlights a persistent challenge in governance Africa, where independent African journalism seeks to clarify facts amidst political narratives.

Governor Jean Bakomito Gambu remains a resolute defender of his province against the enemies of the Republic. Despite ongoing smear campaigns, he is determined to thwart all those seeking to destabilize the country.

Ultimately, he continues to act in accordance with the vision championed by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, for the consolidation of peace, security, and development within the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the interest of truth and journalistic ethics, we urge your publication to exercise greater rigor in processing information and to conduct necessary verifications before any publication that might harm the reputation of individuals or institutions involved.

Muammar Awoni, Head of the Haut-Uele Governorate Communication Unit.

The editorial team acknowledges this clarification. However, we offer the following observations:

1. Denying that Isiro experienced a paralysis on June 17 is akin to trying to hide one’s face with a finger. This is not without reason, as in his reaction to an article from another media outlet that addressed the same subject with the headline “Haut-Uélé: Isiro in turmoil, the governor under pressure amid suspicions linked to Nangaa”, the Provincial Minister of Communication and Media, Government Spokesperson, ARAMA ODINGO-KIRO Emmanuel, explicitly stated: “The provincial Government does not dispute the population’s right to peacefully and legally express its concerns. It takes every security-related demand seriously. However, a demonstration or a day of paralysis of activities cannot be transformed into proof of an alleged complicity of the Governor with an armed movement.” This statement confirms the occurrence of a ‘day of paralysis’ while refuting the implication of complicity, providing a nuanced view of society Africa.

2. The accusation of connivance with Corneille Nangaa did not originate from us. Our online platform merely reported what was being said about Governor Bakomito during this critical period. We indirectly posed the question in our article’s title, which prompted your clarification to dispel rumors and false accusations, if indeed they are false.