Emmanuel Birato, the Governor of South Kivu under the AFC/M23 administration, has urged the youth of his native region of Birava to join the ranks of the ARC, the armed wing of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) movement.
Speaking before a crowd of local residents, Governor Birato called on young people to step forward and take part in what he described as “a new era of national liberation and restoration.”
“You are the strength of our future,” Birato said. “The Chief of Staff, General Sultani Makenga, is waiting for you with open arms. Together, we will save the Democratic Republic of Congo and restore the pride of our people.”
The AFC/M23 has made significant progress across large parts of eastern Congo, establishing governance structures, securing territories, and providing stability in zones where state institutions had long collapsed.
In areas once plagued by insecurity and neglect, the movement is working to rebuild what many say the national army (FARDC) and President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration failed to do.
Since launching its renewed campaign, the ARC has successfully reclaimed zones previously dominated by armed militias, reopened roads, and re-established order in several towns across North and South Kivu.
Locals in newly secured areas report improved safety, access to markets, and the return of administrative services.
Governor Birato’s call reflects growing confidence within the movement that the AFC/M23 is not only a military force but also a political and social engine for change in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Where Kinshasa failed to protect its citizens, the AFC/M23 is stepping in to lead with purpose and discipline,” Birato stated. “This is no longer just a rebellion—it is a people’s movement.”
There has been no official response from Kinshasa regarding the recruitment call.
However, on the ground, the AFC/M23 appears to be gaining momentum and expanding its influence through a blend of military strength and community engagement.
As more youth heed the call, the dynamics of power in eastern Congo continue to shift—marking what some see as the emergence of a new political order built from the ground up.
