In a rare interview with Belgian researcher and former senator Alain Destexhe, Makenga accused President Félix Tshisekedi of failing to protect all Congolese citizens, labelling him 'a bandit' who has shown no love for the country.
Since late 2021, M23 has reignited its armed struggle, claiming to defend Tutsis, Banyamulenge, Hema, and other Kinyarwanda-speaking communities who face persecution, killings, and other abuses due to their ethnicity.
Makenga insists that M23 took up arms only because they were 'threatened with extermination.'
'We are fighting for our survival,' Makenga said. 'We could not allow ourselves to be wiped out without reacting. It is unfortunate that the outside world refuses to see this.'
Citing attacks against Tutsi-majority villages, he pointed to a recent incident in Nturo, Masisi territory, where a village was burned down simply because of its ethnic composition.
'We must move beyond this ideology of ethnic hatred and instead promote reconciliation,' he added.
Makenga denied that capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu was a strategic objective but argued that it became necessary to stop ongoing attacks.
'From Goma, the FARDC [Congolese army] and other forces were shelling our positions and the civilians under our protection. We could not tolerate this any longer,' he explained.
He also accused the Congolese and Burundian forces of regrouping in Bukavu and receiving supplies through Kavumu Airport, which, he said, posed a threat that M23 had to neutralize.
Despite their military successes, Makenga dismissed suggestions that M23 intended to advance on Kinshasa, saying, 'No, unless we are threatened.'
SADC troops and foreign mercenaries
As part of efforts to counter M23's offensive, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania to eastern DRC. However, many of these forces are now holed up in bases around Goma following heavy losses.
'They can move freely but without weapons. We allow them to resupply,' Makenga stated, adding that M23 has no interest in holding them captive. 'We want them to go home. They are free to leave whenever they wish.'
The M23 leader also condemned the involvement of foreign mercenaries alongside Congolese forces, particularly the alleged presence of Romanian fighters.
'It is unjust for people to come from Europe to kill those defending their rights. The world should be shocked, but apparently, it is not.'
Despite the ongoing conflict, Makenga expressed willingness to negotiate, particularly in response to an initiative led by Angola, which currently holds the African Union presidency.
'Of course, we want negotiations,' he said. 'We have acknowledged Angola's position, but we have not yet heard anything from Kinshasa.' Shortly after the interview, Kinshasa signaled its acceptance of the talks, with negotiations set to begin on March 18.
It remains to be seen whether the March 18 talks will bring about the much-needed peace deal in the eastern region.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
