The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) has said it does not intend to withdraw from eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), insisting that its members are Congolese citizens with full rights to live in the country.
In a statement released over the weekend, the group said communities rooted in the country’s history cannot be excluded or forced to leave on political grounds.
AFC/M23 argued that from the era of the Kingdom of Kongo to the present-day DRC, citizens have maintained deep historical, cultural and territorial ties, despite what it described as long-standing marginalization of certain groups by successive governments.
The group said the conflict in eastern DRC should not be addressed through exclusion or denial of rights, but through equality, respect and full citizenship for all communities.
It specifically pointed to the situation in Minembwe, saying residents continue to endure insecurity and violence but remain committed to staying on their land and preserving hope for the future.
AFC/M23 said communities in the area have demonstrated resilience and strong attachment to their territory despite what it called discrimination, exclusion and repeated attacks.
The group reiterated that no community with deep roots in a territory can be erased from history or removed by force.
It also accused the government of President Félix Tshisekedi of collaborating with armed groups including the FDLR, Wazalendo and foreign mercenaries, alleging they are used in operations targeting civilians in eastern DRC.
AFC/M23 warned that reliance on armed proxies and exclusionary approaches risks worsening the conflict rather than resolving it.
The group said lasting peace in the DRC will only be achieved through respect for human rights, protection of civilians and equal treatment under the law.
It added that communities in eastern DRC will continue to consider the country their homeland and will not accept being deprived of citizenship or the right to live in safety and dignity.
