The command of the 34th Military Region in North Kivu confirmed on Wednesday, April 8, the voluntary surrender of 263 members of the AFC/M23 between February and March 2026. Among them are four officers, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing operations in eastern DRC.
This is a signal sent to the armed groups that are terrorizing eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to military authorities, these former combatants left the rebel ranks to surrender voluntarily to the positions of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
A transprovincial surrender movement
The surrenders are not limited to a single combat zone. Major Dieudonné Kasereka, communications officer for the 34th Military Region, specified that these fighters were registered in several territories of North Kivu, notably in Lubero, Rutshuru, and Masisi. The movement has also spread to the neighboring province of South Kivu, with surrenders reported in the Kalehe territory.
“These fighters surrendered to our various units. For the moment, they are safe in a protected location under army control,” the military spokesperson reassured.
Between Forced Recruitment and the Desire for Reintegration
The army emphasizes that some of these fighters are young men forcibly recruited by the rebels during their advance. This return to national institutions now opens the way to a case-by-case processing, under the supervision of the military hierarchy.
Two options are now available to these former combatants:
- Social reintegration for those who wish to return to civilian life.
- Potential integration for those wishing to serve under the flag, following a rigorous review of their application by the command.
An appeal to those remaining in the forest
The command of the 34th Military Region maintains its outreach. Major Kasereka reiterated the appeal to the fighters still present in the bush areas to follow this example. “The command continues to call on others to surrender. They will be welcomed,” he declared, emphasizing the security guarantee offered by the FARDC.
With Okapi
