FARDC Bars AFC/M23 Youth from Enlistment

Main Point: The FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) issued a statement on 9 August 2025, signed by spokesperson Maj. Gen. Sylvain Ekenge Efomi Bomusa  .

FARDC is encouraging youth recruitment into the army—especially those with expertise in communication and technology who can help modernize the force.

However, the FARDC also explicitly barred applicants coming from areas currently controlled by AFC/M23. This includes certain regions in eastern DRC where the M23 rebel movement and its political umbrella, the AFC, have authority  .

The recruitment process includes special training in Kananga, focusing on journalism, communications, and tech skills, but does not admit applicants from AFC/M23-controlled zones  .

On social media, critics have interpreted this policy as politically discriminatory—arguing that it signals the Tshisekedi government does not view citizens from these rebel-held regions as equal to others.

If you’re interested in how this fits into the broader situation with the M23/AFC conflict, here are a few relevant developments:

The M23/AFC coalition has taken control of key territories, including Goma, Bukavu, and others in provinces like North and South Kivu, and has even established quasi-administrative structures in those areas.

In recent weeks, Congolese authorities accuse M23/AFC of horrific violence, including the killing of at least 80 civilians and forced recruitment of minors across South Kivu—abuses that have fueled tensions amid ongoing peace talks  .

DR Congo signed a Declaration of Principles with M23 in Doha on 19 July 2025, aiming toward a comprehensive peace agreement by 18 August, though the rebels remain in de facto control of many areas.

By:Florence Uwamaliya