78 FRN fighters neutralized in October, including 58 voluntary surrenders, army says

At least 78 FRN/M23 fighters were neutralized in October 2026 in the territories of Lubero, Masisi, Walikale and Kalehe, in North and South Kivu. Major Dieudonné Kasereka, communications officer for the 34th military region, said 58 fighters surrendered to the FARDC and Wazalendo groups, while 20 others were captured in military operations. Some defectors said they had been forcibly recruited in Goma, Bukavu and other towns, then sent to the front after only cursory training. The 58 who surrendered are being cared for pending decisions by the military hierarchy.