The AFC/M23 coalition has integrated 1,518 fighters from a special armed group into its ranks. Among them are former soldiers of the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC), who have pledged to oppose the government of Félix Tshisekedi.
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The graduation ceremony, which marked the end of their military training, took place in Lumangabo on March 2, 2026. The event officially confirmed their entry into the movement and highlighted the coalition’s efforts to strengthen its forces.
Makenga’s Strong Criticism of the Government
During the ceremony, the Chief of Staff of AFC/M23 fighters, Sultani Makenga, strongly criticized the leadership of President Tshisekedi. He said the Democratic Republic of Congo has become weaker under the current administration.
Makenga accused the president of running the country as if it were his private property. He also stated that AFC/M23 forces are fighting to “liberate the country” and to ensure that civilians are no longer killed.
“Tshisekedi gathered thieves and criminals, armed them, and instructed them to kill civilians because of their ethnicity. They kill citizens who refuse to follow the harmful ideology imposed on them and murder them in order to loot their property,” Makenga alleged.
Claims of Foreign and Rebel Involvement
Furthermore, Makenga claimed that Tshisekedi recruited Burundian forces and worked with fighters from the FDLR rebel movement and foreign mercenaries. According to him, these groups were integrated into the national army.
He described this army as being made up of criminal elements. In addition, he said many refugees fled the country because of violence committed by FARDC and allied armed groups.
“For this reason, our movement rose and decided to put an end to these problems. That is why we are here today. By choosing to join this army, be prepared to liberate Congo and its people, and to be different from what you were in the past,” he said.
Message of Discipline and Responsibility
At the same time, Makenga urged the new recruits to avoid the behavior he linked to government forces. Instead, he encouraged them to show discipline, honesty, and respect for civilians.
He said: “Wherever you pass, civilians must see change in you. They must see that you are different from when you were in FARDC—seeing you as liberators rather than looters. Our people have suffered for a long time; some have spent years in exile, others have been killed, and some are living in extreme hardship. Our country has been destroyed. That is why you are called upon to unite with your comrades so that we may end this suffering.”
He added that the movement wants to build a respected nation where all citizens are treated with dignity and fairness.
Political Goals and Continuing Conflict
General Makenga said the coalition aims to remove what he called irresponsible leadership in Kinshasa and restore national unity.
“Are you ready to drive out the irresponsible leadership in Kinshasa?” he asked, to which the recruits responded, “Yes, Commander.”
“Are you ready to allow your compatriots who have lived in exile for years to return home? Are you ready to reject all forms of discrimination introduced by Tshisekedi in our regions? If you are ready, you will become good soldiers of the ARC, and after liberating the country, you will be honored for removing it from the hands of those who failed in their duties.”
He also warned that former FARDC members who remain uncertain about their future could face detention as prisoners of war and be handed over to the authorities.
“Are you all ready to remove Tshisekedi and all those who collaborate with him?” he asked. “Have you refused to be led by criminal elements?”
Meanwhile, the conflict involving FARDC, the Wazalendo militia, foreign mercenaries, the FDLR armed group, and Burundian forces against AFC/M23 has continued for several years. The movement says it is defending the rights of Congolese Tutsis who have been killed or displaced.
As a result, AFC/M23 has repeated its goal of removing Tshisekedi and his allies and establishing what it describes as a fair and inclusive government for all Congolese citizens.
