Wave of desertions within AFC/M23, over 260 fighters lay down arms in Kivu

The command of the 34th military region of North Kivu confirmed the voluntary surrender of 263 members of AFC/M23 between February and March 2026, including four officers. These fighters surrendered in several territories of North Kivu and in South Kivu, marking a significant turning point in operations in Eastern DRC. The army offers social reintegration or potential integration for these ex-combatants, many of whom were forcibly recruited.