2026 will be a year of intense work: Gen. Makenga

General Sultani Makenga, the Commander-in-Chief of the M23 rebel group (ARC), has warned his followers that 2026 will be a year of intense work, as the struggle to “liberate” the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues.

Makenga addressed the message to members of the M23/AFC leadership and rank-and-file in South Kivu during a meeting held Wednesday, December 21, in Bukavu.

He praised the fighters for their efforts so far but reminded them that the four-year conflict is far from over.

“We are still at war. Act as though you are on the battlefield. Be loyal, behave with dignity, and prepare to make sacrifices. Do not behave like some leaders remaining in Kinshasa, or as if the whole country has already been liberated,” he said.

Makenga emphasized that the path to “liberating the DRC” remains long and demanding, requiring determination, humility, and responsibility.

“The journey demands great effort, and those efforts are yours, ours, the ones of everyone here who has chosen to rise and liberate our country,” he said.

He underscored that everyone must understand that achieving the group’s goals “requires focus, courage, and initiative,” and stressed that 2026 will demand exceptional dedication.

“2026 will be a year of hard work, requiring us to be vigilant, resilient, and united in facing the challenges ahead,” Makenga stated.

Corneille Nangaa, the AFC/M23 coordinator, also addressed the fighters, urging them to assume responsibility and warning against behaving like supporters or sycophants.

“If we are fighting the Kinshasa government, we must not act like the government itself. We are not here for personal gain. Remain loyal. Stay true to your commitments,” Nangaa said.