An unprecedented wave of commitment has swept through the Nyiragongo territory, where more than 300 young people have voluntarily joined the ranks of the Congolese Revolutionary Army (ARC), the military wing of the March 23 Movement (M23).
This mass enlistment reflects growing frustration with chronic insecurity, the marginalization of local communities, and the persistent failure of the central government to provide real solutions. For these youth, joining the ARC is not only an act of resistance it is also a declaration of hope for a better future.
“This decision wasn’t made lightly. It is the result of years of neglect, broken promises, and violence endured in total silence,” said a senior official within the movement.
The ARC reports that all new recruits undergo structured military training, as well as civic and political education. The goal is to shape not only disciplined fighters, but also responsible citizens who can contribute to the reconstruction of a fairer and more inclusive state.
This engagement is part of a broader trend of popular support for the M23’s political vision, which calls for the recognition of the rights of communities in North Kivu, an end to impunity, and the implementation of genuine decentralization.
Despite continued accusations from the Kinshasa government, which labels the movement as “rebellious,” the ARC maintains the legitimacy of its struggle and its deep roots in the local population. For the youth of Nyiragongo, joining the ARC is a way to reclaim their voice long silenced and to refuse further humiliation in their own land.
