DRC government denounces military training of AFC/M23 rebels

Kinshasa, Sept 18 (Prensa Latina) The Minister of Communications and spokesperson for the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Patrick Muyaya, denounced the military training of 7,000 men by the Congo River Alliance-March 23 Movement (AFC/M23).

September 18, 2025
10:31

In statements to the press released today, Muyaya described the issue as unacceptable amid negotiations for a peace agreement mediated by Qatar.

Last Sunday, the AFC/M23 held a military parade in Goma where they showcased more than 7,000 new recruits. The rebel leadership stated that the soldiers included members of the DRC Armed Forces and local militiamen who surrendered when fighting intensified this year.

They added that this force completed military training in Rumangabo, in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province.

Regarding this, the Minister of Communications maintained that this is a misleading campaign, as what they are trying to present as newly trained soldiers is actually a vanguard brigade of the Rwandan army.

He accused the AFC/M23 of involving children and prisoners in what he considered a crude setup that violates the spirit of the ongoing talks.

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