The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, has announced plans to cut government spending and redirect state funds to support military efforts against the M23 movement. This decision comes as M23 has seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and continues to gain ground in eastern DRC. The group’s rapid territorial expansion has forced numerous FARDC soldiers and allied fighters including FDLR, Wazalendo, Burundian troops, SAMIDRC, and foreign mercenaries to surrender or flee, with some seeking refuge in Rwanda.
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Tshisekedi made this announcement on January 30, 2025, in a national address, emphasizing the urgent need for financial austerity within state institutions and calling on private businesses and NGOs to contribute to the war effort.
“I have instructed the government to implement strict measures to cut down state expenditures, including allowances for officials, so that the funds saved can be redirected to our armed forces. In this national effort, I also urge private businesses to take responsibility and contribute to this cause,” Tshisekedi declared.
This financial shift follows revelations from M23’s military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, on January 29, 2025. In a conversation with a mercenary leader preparing to retreat to Rwanda, Ngoma disclosed that mercenaries fighting for the Congolese government were earning $8,000 per month, while Congolese soldiers received less than $100.
“We are fighting for the future of Congolese children,” Ngoma stated. “We have a resource-rich country, but it is run by incompetent leaders. You (mercenaries) are paid $8,000 per month, while a Congolese soldier gets less than $100. Do not play games with us. We want Congo to be a country of dignity. Stop bringing your manipulations here; we are fighting for our future.”
Amid reports that FARDC soldiers fled into Rwanda, accusing their leaders of abandoning them on the battlefield, Tshisekedi has renewed calls for Congolese youth to enlist in the military.
“We remain committed to this fight,” Tshisekedi said. “We will win through unity, hard work, and responsibility not through reckless violence. Victory will only be possible if all Congolese people, wherever they are, understand the battle we are fighting. I call upon the entire nation ,men and women, young and old, politicians, economic stakeholders, civil society, religious leaders, artists, and athletes to support and stand by our heroic army in this struggle.”
As in his previous addresses, Tshisekedi once again blamed Rwanda, claiming that M23’s capture of Goma was an invasion orchestrated by Kigali, and criticized the international community for its silence. Rwanda has repeatedly denied involvement in the conflict, arguing that the Congolese government should address its internal crises, particularly its collaboration with the genocidal FDLR group, which poses a security threat to Rwanda.
M23 has taken complete control of Goma and several surrounding areas, including the city’s airport, the state-owned radio and television station (RTNC-Goma), and the border crossing with Rwanda. Following their takeover, M23 facilitated the evacuation of 47 foreign truck drivers who had been stranded in Goma, ensuring their safe passage into Rwanda for repatriation.
On January 29, 2025, the group also allowed over 280 foreign mercenaries,who had been fighting for the Congolese government,to cross into Rwanda, where they were subsequently sent back to their home countries.
Since January 27, 2025, Rwanda has also received more than 2,000 UN and MONUSCO personnel, over 1,200 Congolese civilians, and at least 120 FARDC soldiers seeking safety.
