Members of the Congolese community residing in Kenya have urged the government to launch an investigation into allegations that the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 armed group is recruiting and fundraising within Nairobi.
Ganza Daniel, president of the Mutualite Banyamulenge Community from Katanga, DRC, emphasized Kenya's role as a regional peace broker and called on authorities to ensure the country is not used to facilitate activities that fuel conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Claims Against AFC/M23 Activities in Nairobi
- Individuals linked to AFC/M23 are reportedly soliciting support and funds from Congolese residents in Nairobi, including through church networks.
- There are concerns that minors and young people are being targeted for recruitment into the armed movement.
- Some refugees in Kenya are allegedly involved in political or logistical operations supporting AFC/M23.
Daniel appealed for an impartial and professional inquiry to verify these claims rather than dismissing them outright, stressing the importance of upholding democratic freedoms without enabling armed conflict.
Context of the DRC Conflict
The calls come amid ongoing violence in eastern DRC, where M23 has seized major cities such as Goma and Bukavu. The United Nations Security Council condemned M23’s offensive in Resolution 2773, demanding withdrawal from occupied areas and calling on Rwanda to cease support for the group.
International sanctions have targeted key figures associated with the conflict, including Corneille Nangaa, AFC’s coordinator, and former DRC President Joseph Kabila, accused of backing M23 and AFC.
Kenya has previously engaged in peace efforts through the Nairobi Process, endorsed by the UN Security Council. Daniel urged Kenya to leverage its influence to remain a neutral and trusted partner in regional peace initiatives.
"Refugee protection should remain a humanitarian tool, not a platform for recruitment or financing armed groups," Daniel stated.
