The M23 rebel group has added over 8,000 new soldiers to its ranks after they completed a six-month military training program.
The training took place at the Chanzu military camp located in the Rutshuru Territory.
The new recruits include former members of the Congolese national army (FARDC) who surrendered to the M23 in January this year after the group defeated government forces and captured Goma city.
Reports indicate that after completing their training, the soldiers were immediately deployed to South Kivu Province. In Bukavu city, a large convoy of trucks carrying the fighters was seen arriving from Goma.
It is reported that the M23 is considering launching an offensive to capture Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu, which explains the deployment near that area.
Back in February, during a visit to the Rumangabo military camp by M23’s Commander-in-Chief General Sultani Makenga, the new recruits were told they would be cleansed of the “fear Tshisekedi instilled in them” and were reminded that their mission is to “liberate Congo and free the Congolese people.”
