M23 leader addresses FARDC members captured: “Let’s liberate our country, we are brothers”

Speaking to a group of at least 2,000 seized troops from the FARDC-led coalition, M23 military leader Sultani Makenga urged them to put aside their divisionalism and work alongside M23 in what he refers to as the liberation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Makenga appeared in front of the imprisoned troops in a video purportedly shot in M23’s major stronghold in Rumangabo, stressing that they were fellow Congolese and not adversaries. He gave them his word that M23 was prepared to train them militarily and accept them into its ranks.

“This army is not ethnic.”

“This army does not belong to any ethnic group. We aim to eradicate all of the negative ideologies that Tshisekedi ingrained in you, including rape, thievery, ethnic hate, and murdering people based only on their race. He stated, “We want to change that,” to which the troops all echoed, “Yes, sir.”

“You gave yourself up to your brothers,” Makenga said, adding that they would be secure. Your fellow Congolese caught you. There is nothing to be afraid about. You’re here to shift your perspective. Maintaining discipline is crucial.

The call to arms from M23

Makenga reaffirmed that the goal of M23 was to free the country and positioned the group as the “army of DR Congo.” He urged the warriors who had been captured to support the cause.

Many of the troops raised their hands in agreement as he stated, “We want to give you some training sessions, and once you have changed, you will be enrolled into the army so that we can liberate our country and our people.”

He went on to say, “I will send those who do not want to join back to Tshisekedi so they can continue robbing citizens, smoking marijuana, and stealing.”

Makenga’s comments coincide with increased tensions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where M23 is claiming control of key areas in the country’s east and continuing its offensives against government forces.