M23 military leader Sultani Makenga has addressed a gathering of at least two thousand captured soldiers from the FARDC-led coalition, urging them to abandon divisionism and join forces with M23 in what he calls the liberation of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a video reportedly taken at M23’s main base in Rumangabo, Makenga stood before the detained soldiers, emphasising that they were not enemies but fellow Congolese. He assured them that M23 was ready to integrate them into its ranks and provide military training. ALSO READ: South Kivu: M23 claims capture of Kavumu airport “This is not an ethnic army” “This army is not an ethnic army. We want to remove all the harmful ideology that Tshisekedi instilled in you—things like ethnic hatred, rape, theft, and killing people because of their ethnicity. We want to change that,” he said, as the soldiers responded in unison, “Yes, sir.” Makenga further assured them of their safety, stating, “You surrendered to your brothers. You were captured by your fellow Congolese. You have nothing to fear. You are here for a mindset change. Discipline is essential.” ALSO READ: DR Congo: M23 calls out Congolese forces as cases of violence, abuse emerge in South Kivu M23’s call to arms Positioning M23 as the “army of DR Congo,” Makenga reiterated that its mission was to liberate the country. He called on the captured fighters to join the cause. “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 said, prompting many of the soldiers to raise their hands in agreement. “For those who do not wish to join, I will send them back to Tshisekedi so they can continue stealing, smoking marijuana, and robbing citizens,” he added. Makenga’s remarks come amid heightened tensions in the DRC, as M23 continues its offensives against government forces, claiming control over strategic locations in the east of the country.
