KINSHASA — The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has renewed its call for the arrest of fugitive businessman Claude Pero Luwara, accused of financing the M23 rebellion through high-value property transactions. Authorities have put forward a $4 million reward for information leading to his capture, making it one of the largest bounties ever offered in the country.
In a communiqué issued Friday, the Ministry of Justice said investigators had identified two properties linked to Luwara one in the Maman Mobutu quarter of Mont-Ngafula and another recently purchased in Binza, Bandalungwa commune. Both have been seized as part of ongoing judicial proceedings.
The ministry further warned that associates and intermediaries involved in Luwara’s alleged transactions would also face prosecution, stressing that the crackdown extends beyond financiers to their networks.
“Any person or group who contribute to his arrest and place him at the disposal of authorities will receive the reward of four million U.S. dollars,” the statement said.
Luwara has remained at large despite intensified government operations aimed at dismantling financial pipelines sustaining the M23 insurgency.
The M23 rebellion, which resurfaced in 2021 after nearly a decade, has captured significant territory in North Kivu province, forcing the displacement of hundreds of thousands. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels an allegation Kigali denies further straining regional relations.
In recent months, the DRC has expanded its strategy to include sanctions, property seizures, and asset freezes targeting individuals suspected of bankrolling rebel activities. Officials argue that cutting off financial support is as crucial as battlefield operations in weakening insurgent groups.
Analysts, however, caution that while the arrest of financiers like Luwara could significantly disrupt M23’s operations, it is unlikely to bring an immediate resolution to the conflict, given the group’s entrenched presence and regional dynamics.