The ceremony, held in Gisenyi on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, North Kivu, brought together senior commanders of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC) under the leadership of Major General Sultani Makenga.
The new recruits showcased their combat readiness through synchronised parades, tactical manoeuvres, martial arts, and live-fire demonstrations.
Makenga, who presided over the event, hailed the recruits as 'revolutionaries of change,' commending their discipline, endurance, and loyalty to the movement's mission. He urged them to uphold professionalism and integrity, warning that 'corruption, tribalism, drug abuse and sexual violence will never be tolerated within the ARC.'
Addressing the recruits in Swahili, Makenga called on them to view their mission as a national duty to restore dignity and unity to a nation he described as 'broken by years of poor governance and discrimination.'
'From today, you have become a true army â€" an army of liberation and deliverance, fighting to bring meaningful change to our country,' he declared.
'We have risen to provide genuine leadership to our nation, one that values discipline, patriotism, and service to the people.'
Makenga emphasised that the new force must distinguish itself from other armed factions by maintaining strong ties with civilians and avoiding abuses against local communities.
'You will be respected as guardians of change only through your actions,' he said. 'The people must see you as liberators, not as bandits. If you act otherwise, you will face consequences.'
He further urged the soldiers to remain united and steadfast, pledging continued training and logistical support for those deployed to various battlefronts.
'Our country must be freed through collective effort,' he added. 'Let us rebuild a professional and people-centred army â€" one that earns the respect of the nation.'
The graduation comes just weeks after a separate batch of over 7,000 fighters completed training under the same command.
According to AFC/M23 officials, the expansion signals a new phase in the movement's reorganisation, positioning it as a structured and disciplined force with ambitions to 'defend the Congolese people and build a new, united, and respected Congo.'
The AFC/M23 rebel coalition controls large swathes of territory in the eastern DRC, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, which were seized earlier this year after a protracted conflict. The group accuses President Felix Tshisekedi's administration of marginalising Kinyarwanda-speaking communities and poor governance.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/afc-m23-expands-ranks-with-more-than-9-000-newly-trained-commandos
