The war in eastern Congo has taken a decisive turn as thousands of former Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) soldiers defect to AFC/M23. Among them, a newly trained cohort of approximately 1,000 fighters has completed extensive ideological and tactical training in Rumangabo. Once serving under President Felix Tshisekedi’s military, these troops are now fully equipped, regularly paid, and preparing to confront their former commanders.
The defections, fueled by frustration over unpaid wages, battlefield defeats, and disillusionment with Kinshasa’s leadership, mark a pivotal shift in the conflict. No longer willing to fight for a regime that has failed them, these soldiers have chosen to align with M23, a force they now see as organized, disciplined, and offering a clear vision for the future.
“It is a game over for incompetent Felix,” an M23 supporter declared, underscoring the movement’s growing confidence.
This 1,000-strong contingent has been deployed to Lubero, where they are already engaging their former FARDC comrades. The move signals a deeper crisis for Tshisekedi’s forces, which are not only losing territory but also hemorrhaging manpower to M23.
This morning, footage surfaced of the newly integrated M23 fighters clad in fresh uniforms, fully armed, and chanting battle songs with high morale. Their transformation from disgruntled FARDC soldiers to motivated warriors under M23 paints a stark contrast to the struggling, demoralized forces of Kinshasa.
The growing momentum of M23 is not only evident on the battlefield but also at the borders. On Monday, 500 refugees returned from Rwanda after fleeing Bukavu during its takeover on Sunday.
“Peace has returned to Bukavu, and many of our compatriots who fled Congo to Rwanda, running away from the looting by the DRC forces and allies, are now returning,” said AFC-M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka at the Rusizi-Bukavu border.
With the return of refugees and the defection of thousands of FARDC soldiers, the M23 movement is increasingly positioning itself as both a military force and a political reality that Kinshasa can no longer ignore.
“Kinshasa regime should stop killing our brothers and sisters and should leave office,” Kanyuka told journalists, issuing a clear message to Tshisekedi’s government.
As more soldiers defect and civilians return, it is evident that M23’s influence is expanding. For Tshisekedi, the reality is becoming undeniable”his own troops, once the backbone of his military, are now part of the force dismantling his authority in eastern Congo.
Former FARDC soldiers, captured or surrendered, have completed training under AFC/M23.
Now equipped, paid, and deployed to Lubero, they’re fighting their ex-commanders who failed to pay them regularly.
A dramatic shift in the conflict.
cfr:@kivurepublic #Congo #M23 #FARDC pic.twitter.com/0RIxnscnWm— KAM Isaac (@isaackamis2) February 18, 2025