These soldiers, numbering in the hundreds, are undergoing training at the Rumangabo military camp in Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu Province. Gen. Maj. Makenga visited them on February 13, 2025.

During his address, Makenga accused Tshisekedi’s government of oppressing its people through corruption, killings, abductions, and ethnic persecution. He declared that ARC/M23 was committed to liberating the Congolese population.

"Discipline is the key to any army. ARC/M23 is here to rescue the country and its people. We want to give you short-term training so that you can transform, join us, and help save our nation and fellow Congolese," he stated.

Makenga then asked the soldiers if they were ready to fight for the DRC and its people. They responded in unison, "Yes, Commander!" He instructed them to raise their hands as a sign of commitment, and they all complied.

"You will be trained and then integrated into military units so that we can remove this corrupt regime. Tshisekedi’s government must be overthrown for the sake of peace, respect, and a strong national army," Makenga added.

M23 has continued to call on Tshisekedi’s administration to engage in negotiations for lasting peace in eastern DRC.

However, while attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany on February 14, 2025, Tshisekedi reiterated that his government would not negotiate with M23, branding it a terrorist group.

M23 rebels currently control vast territories in North Kivu, including the city of Goma, as well as areas in South Kivu, such as Kalehe and Kavumu. On February 14, they began advancing into Bukavu.

The leader of the ARC/M23 rebel group, Gen. Maj. Sultani Makenga.