congo rebels
The long conflict in eastern Congo has once again taken center stage after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he has ended the war. But on the ground, a very different reality is unfolding. Despite peace agreements and political promises, the M23 rebel group is tightening its grip on power, expanding its influence, and building the foundations of what increasingly looks like a breakaway state.
A New Class of Rebel “Executives”
In the town of Rutshuru in North Kivu, hundreds of men and women sat in a wooden hall completing a two week re education program led by M23 commander Sultani Makenga. Videos from the event show Makenga asking his students whether they understood that only force could free their country from misrule by the government in Kinshasa.
“Yes, Commander,” they responded in unison.
These recruits are not future frontline fighters. Instead, they represent a growing corps of civilian administrators trained to run the civic arm of M23’s expanding territory. Throughout September, participants learned basic weapons handling and military drills, but the heart of the course focused on ideology, governance, and Congo’s turbulent history.
At the center of the program was a 32 page M23 charter that outlines the group’s vision for a federal state rooted in commitment, determination, sacrifice, and discipline.
Building the Foundations of a Parallel Administration
Makenga’s message to the new officials was clear: they were being prepared to understand and sustain the movement’s mission. The training reflected M23’s broader strategy, which has shifted far beyond battlefield operations.
Across areas captured in a rapid January offensive, the group is establishing a fully fledged administrative structure complete with new governors, mayors, and local officials loyal to the movement. These civilian institutions are designed not only to consolidate control but also to legitimize M23’s presence as a governing authority.
Peace Deals Abroad, Fighting at Home
President Trump recently hosted a peace signing ceremony in Washington where Congo and Rwanda reaffirmed their commitment to end hostilities. Western officials have hinted that billions of dollars could flow into Congo’s mineral rich regions once genuine peace takes hold.
But the on ground reality tells a very different story. M23 was not included in the pact, and within twenty four hours of the ceremony, heavy clashes erupted again in eastern Congo. At the same time, while the group participates in separate peace talks in Doha, it continues to expand its military and political reach.
A Growing Military and Expanding Control
Over the past year, M23’s military force has reportedly tripled. Thousands of fighters have been deployed across captured areas to secure new gains and reinforce territorial control. This military buildup runs parallel to the group’s governance initiatives, revealing a dual strategy of force and administration.
M23 has also taken steps to operate economically independent of the central government in Kinshasa. The group is repairing major road networks, taxing coltan rich mining sites, and even issuing travel visas to those entering its territory. These moves show a deliberate effort to structure a self sustaining system that functions separately from the Congolese state.
A Potential Fracture in the Future of Congo
Despite international announcements of peace, experts warn that Congo may be heading toward a long term fracture. M23’s increasing autonomy, expanding governance structures, and military reinforcement point to a future where eastern Congo could operate under a parallel authority for years to come.
For now, the conflict remains unresolved, and the reality on the ground exposes a widening gap between political promises and the situation faced by millions living in eastern Congo.
