Rwandan Soldiers in DRC: New Report Confirms Presence of Nearly 4,000 Troops
A recent report from the United Nations group of experts has shed light on the direct involvement of Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) in the military operations of the March 23 Movement (M23) and their key role in the strategic and logistical support of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), led by Corneille Nangaa. The report reveals that each M23 unit is supervised and supported on the ground by RDF special forces, which closely coordinate operations.
According to the document, the number of Rwandan soldiers deployed in the Congolese territories of Nyiragongo, Rutshuru, and Masisi is estimated to be between 3,000 and 4,000. In October 2024, these forces also supported the M23’s advance into the Walikale territory. The experts note that without RDF assistance, including targeted operations and the use of high-tech weapons, the M23 would not have been able to conquer new territories.
Coordination and Support
The overall military command of the M23 remains under the authority of Sultani Makenga, who continues to receive orders and logistical support from the RDF and Rwandan intelligence services. Although the AFC and M23 are separate entities, they operate in close coordination, with the AFC requiring Makenga’s approval for each operation.
In some areas, M23 units directly benefit from the support of Rwandan special forces, a partnership that has led to significant military advances and enhanced operational capabilities for the group.
Recruitment and Negotiations
Intensive recruitment campaigns by the AFC-M23 coalition in recently conquered territories, particularly in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, have been highlighted by experts. These activities include meetings to promote their coalition, recruit new members, and establish parallel administrations to consolidate control over the occupied areas.
Negotiations between Kinshasa and Kigali on the withdrawal of Rwandan troops have stalled, partly due to Rwanda’s demands, which link its withdrawal to targeted actions against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The DRC has rejected these conditions and refused to sign a “neutralization plan” proposed in 2024 by the intelligence services of both countries.
Regional Tensions and Stabilization Efforts
The revelations about the chain of command linking the RDF to the M23 have heightened regional tensions and complicated stabilization efforts in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, worsening an already precarious situation on the ground.