Addressing provincial leaders in North Kivu during a high-level meeting held in Goma on August 4, 2025, Gen. Makenga stressed that meaningful change cannot be achieved through words alone but must be reflected in actions on the ground.
'Change must be demonstrated through action,' he said. 'As leaders, the people you serve must see the difference in the way you govern. The country has been in disarray for far too long, and restoring order will take time. But the roadmap exists and with collective effort, including yours and ours, transformation is possible.'
He emphasised that the process of change must begin from within the movement itself, urging fighters and leaders to embody the values they aspire to promote.
'Transformation starts with us. We must show our people and the world that we are not the same. You cannot change someone else if you have not changed yourself,' he added.
Gen. Makenga also denounced the practices that have plagued the Congolese state, including the looting of national resources and systemic corruption. He said the AFC/M23 must commit to ending such behaviours and focus on restoring peace and stability in the country.
The rebel group controls large swathes of territory in eastern DRC and is currently in talks with the Kinshasa administration in a Qatar-led process to end the longstanding stalemate.
IGIHE
