General Sultani Makenga of the M23/ARC rebel movement has pledged to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi's government, citing what he calls widespread corruption and poor governance. The declaration came on Wednesday as more than 9,350 commandos completed training at Tchanzu in North Kivu Province. The movement released video footage on Saturday showing the fighters performing drills under senior commanders.
Makenga stated the group aims to build professional forces capable of defending civilians in eastern Congo. The remarks challenge international efforts to reduce tensions in the Great Lakes region. The United Nations, African Union, and regional mediators have urged armed groups to support peace negotiations that began in June under U.S. leadership.
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, while Kigali claims it acts defensively against FDLR militia forces. The rebel group, which reemerged in late 2021 and captured significant territory in North Kivu, says it fights for the political inclusion of Congolese Tutsis. More than 7 million people remain displaced by the conflict.
Makenga stated the group aims to build professional forces capable of defending civilians in eastern Congo. The remarks challenge international efforts to reduce tensions in the Great Lakes region. The United Nations, African Union, and regional mediators have urged armed groups to support peace negotiations that began in June under U.S. leadership.
Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, while Kigali claims it acts defensively against FDLR militia forces. The rebel group, which reemerged in late 2021 and captured significant territory in North Kivu, says it fights for the political inclusion of Congolese Tutsis. More than 7 million people remain displaced by the conflict.
