In response to our article questioning whether insecurity in Isiro might indicate Governor Jean Bakomito’s complicity with Corneille Nangaa, the communication cell of the Haut-Uele governorate quickly issued a defensive statement. Below is the full text from Muammar Awoni, head of the cell:

I take this opportunity to provide clarifications regarding the article published by your medium.

First, contrary to what was reported, no paralysis of economic activities was observed in Isiro, Haut-Uele province, on June 17, 2026. A serious check with local actors would confirm that this information has no factual basis.

Second, your article mentions an absence of school activities. However, according to the school calendar of the Democratic Republic of Congo, schools are generally at the end of the academic year in June. Moreover, no march was organized in Isiro on June 17, 2026.

Thus, on what objective elements does your medium base its characterization of Governor Jean Bakomito Gambu as a close associate or supporter of Corneille Nangaa?

It is worth recalling that Governor Jean Bakomito Gambu’s commitment to restoring peace across Haut-Uele province is widely recognized. He is among the leading figures of Greater Orientale who multiply awareness actions against the maneuvers of enemies of the Republic, particularly those allied with Paul Kagame, including Corneille Nangaa. The latter is now considered by many Congolese as one of the main responsible for the violence that has cost the lives of thousands of compatriots in the eastern part of the country through attacks by the AFC/M23.

In continuation of this approach, the acts of urban banditry that had temporarily disturbed the tranquility of Isiro city have been brought under control, and no major security incident is currently reported there.

In Watsa territory, especially in Mungbere, where incursions by suspected ADF elements have been reported, the security situation is under control thanks to the professionalism of the FARDC. The presence in the province of the Deputy Chief of General Staff of the FARDC in charge of operations and intelligence attests to the special attention given by the President of the Republic to this security matter. Sweeping operations continue to restore lasting peace and facilitate the return of displaced populations to their homes.

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

In light of these facts, the accusations against the provincial authority appear baseless and seem rather aimed at tarnishing his image in public opinion.

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

Finally, he continues his work within the framework of the vision carried by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, for the consolidation of peace, security, and development in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the name of respect for truth and journalistic ethics, we invite your medium to exercise greater rigor in information processing and to carry out necessary verifications before any publication that could harm the reputation of the persons or institutions concerned.

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

Editor’s note: We take note of this clarification. However, we make the following observations:

1. Denying that Isiro experienced paralysis on June 17 is like someone trying to hide their face with a finger. Not without reason, because in response to a colleague’s article on the same subject titled ‘Haut-Uele: Isiro in turmoil, governor under pressure amid suspicions linked to Nangaa,’ the provincial minister of communication and media, government spokesperson, ARAMA ODINGO-KIRO Emmanuel, wrote exactly this: ‘The provincial government does not contest the population’s right to peacefully and legally express its concerns. It takes every demand related to security seriously. However, a demonstration or a day of activity paralysis cannot be transformed into evidence of alleged complicity between the Governor and an armed movement.’ Who can say better?

2. The accusation of connivance with Corneille Nangaa does not originate from us. Our online medium merely reported what is being said about Governor Bakomito during this critical period. We posed the question indirectly in the article title. That prompted your clarification to cut short rumors and false accusations, if indeed they are false.