FCR armed group abandons Kinshasa allied forces, joins AFC/M23 #rwanda #RwOT

The move marks a major shift in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as armed groups realign in response to the evolving situation.

In a statement issued by AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on Sunday, the group welcomed FCR's defection, calling on other armed factions, political actors, and Congolese organisations to follow suit.

"This union strengthens the fight for a free and just Congo," Kanyuka said, emphasising the rebels' stated objective of challenging poor governance and decades of marginalisation of minority communities, including Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the region.

La terreur à Bukavu ! Des bandits armés font la loi ! Ils entrent maison par maison ! Les habitants apeurés crient : "Au voleur au voleur", Bamwiziii... bamwiziii !
Ces bandits méritent une lourde peine de prison pour s'assurer qu'ils ne recommenceront plus ! Le M23 doit très… pic.twitter.com/Kp7KxkwdtG

â€" Rodriguez Malabar (@Katsuva_R) March 6, 2025

The FCR's defection comes amid mounting pressure on the Congolese government to negotiate with the rebels, especially as AFC/M23 continues to gain new fighters and expand its territorial control.

In recent months, the rebels have seized the key cities of Goma and Bukavu after defeating a coalition of government forces, including Wazalendo militias, Nyatura, the FDLR, SADC forces, Burundian army and European mercenaries.

Despite the escalating situation, the government in Kinshasa has maintained its stance against engaging in dialogue with the rebels.

Instead, on Saturday, it called for international assistance to arrest three key AFC/M23 leaders: Corneille Nangaa, the former head of DRC's electoral commission who now leads the AFC rebel alliance; Sultani Makenga, the military commander of M23; and Bertrand Bisimwa, the M23 political leader.

The government has offered a reward of $5 million for information leading to the rebel leaders' capture.

In recent months, AFC/M23 rebel group has seized the key cities of Goma and Bukavu after defeating a coalition of government forces, including Wazalendo militias, Nyatura, the FDLR, SADC forces, Burundian army and European mercenaries.

IGIHE

Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/fcr-armed-group-abandons-kinshasa-allied-forces-joins-afc-m23