Rebel commanders call on soldiers to abandon government forces on Independence Day

In the eastern province of North Kivu, senior leaders of the M23 rebel movement broadcast a message on July 1, urging soldiers serving in the Congolese army to defect and join their ranks. The appeal, delivered via radio and social media, coincided with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national Independence Day celebrations. The rebels claimed that the army’s “corrupt and abusive” practices have left many troops disillusioned, and they promised better treatment and pay to those who switch sides. The statement did not specify how many soldiers might be expected to respond, and officials from the Ministry of Defence declined to comment on the broadcast.

The M23, which re-emerged in 2022 after a peace agreement collapsed, has been engaged in intense fighting with the national army and United Nations peacekeepers in the mineral‑rich eastern region. The area has long been plagued by a complex web of armed groups, ethnic tensions and competition over resources such as coltan and gold, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced millions. Despite several ceasefire attempts, clashes have persisted, with both sides accusing each other of violations.

The latest rebel outreach comes amid a recent surge in attacks on military outposts and civilian villages, raising concerns about the stability of the fragile security situation in the east. International observers have warned that increased defections could further weaken the already overstretched Congolese armed forces and exacerbate the cycle of violence.