The induction ceremony, held on September 14, 2025, was attended by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, leader of the coalition, and M23 commander Maj Gen Sultani Makenga.
According to AFC/M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the new recruits include former soldiers of the Congolese army (FARDC) as well as fighters from groups aligned with the Wazalendo coalition. He said they joined M23 after the capture of Goma and Uvira earlier this year.
In his address, Maj Gen Makenga said the recruits had been trained to 'liberate their country,' accusing President Félix Tshisekedi's government of killing civilians on ethnic grounds, destroying villages, and weakening the national army.
'He has destroyed everything. Even the army, he ruined it, turning it into a dumping ground,' Makenga said, further alleging that the Congolese army has been mixed with Wazalendo militia, the FDLR, Imbonerakure, and foreign mercenaries.
He argued that Tshisekedi values foreign forces more than his own army, adding: 'A leader who disrespects the army does not respect the country, nor the Congolese people, and should not remain in power.'
Makenga urged the new fighters to maintain discipline, respect civilians, and distinguish themselves from their adversaries, insisting this would help them achieve their stated objective of liberating the country.
Earlier this month, Makenga declared that M23 aims to expand its control to other key cities, including Kalemie in Tanganyika Province, Kisangani in Tshopo, and Kindu in Maniema, saying this required continued recruitment.
Nangaa echoed the ambition, telling fighters that the movement ultimately plans to 'liberate' additional cities, among them Lubumbashi in Haut-Katanga, Mbandaka in Equateur, and the capital, Kinshasa.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/m23-afc-unveils-over-7-000-new-recruits
