M23: “We are Congolese forever”
The M23 rebel group said it would remain in areas under its control in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, saying: ‘We are Congolese forever.’
In a statement, the group cited the country’s historical roots and said communities with strong ties to their land would not abandon it under pressure.
It accused the government of President Félix Tshisekedi of committing violence against civilians, including what it described as “genocidal behavior.”
The group also alleged that Kinshasa has collaborated with armed groups, including the FDLR, as well as foreign fighters and mercenaries. It further accused government-aligned forces of targeting certain communities in eastern Congo.
M23 said the concept of a country extends beyond borders, emphasizing shared identity, culture, and historical ties to land.
The statement also addressed recent fighting in Minembwe, where the group said civilians had faced marginalization and persecution but had remained resilient.
In recent days, Minembwe has seen heavy clashes involving M23, Congolese government forces, Burundian troops, the FDLR, and allied militias.
M23 said attempts to intimidate or exclude civilians would deepen suffering, but insisted communities in the area had continued to show resilience.
“The existence of people is not limited to what is visible,” the group said, adding that identity, culture, and the right to live in safety and dignity must be protected. It also cited international law provisions on civilian protection and human rights.
The group said resilience is not only measured by material capacity, but also by the ability to endure hardship while preserving identity and pursuing peace based on justice.
It also criticized President Tshisekedi’s government, warning that “no government builds a sustainable future based on killings or denial of others’ rights.”
The statement added that lasting peace depends on coexistence, dignity, and mutual respect among communities, and said populations rooted in their land cannot be defined by fear but by resilience and historical continuity.
