The Democratic Republic of Congo's military, FARDC, has accused Brigadier General François Kamanzi of providing sensitive information to the M23 rebel group. Kamanzi recently defected from FARDC to join the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), a coalition led by former President Joseph Kabila. FARDC spokesperson, Général-Major Sylvain Ekenge, alleged that Kamanzi had been providing crucial information about the military's operations and strategies to M23.
According to Ekenge, Kamanzi had been under surveillance by FARDC's intelligence services due to his close ties with Kabila and M23 leader, General Sultani Makenga. Kamanzi had reportedly been providing information that enabled FARDC to track and capture or kill several high-ranking M23 rebels. However, Ekenge did not provide specific numbers or names of those affected.
Ekenge revealed that Kamanzi had been a valuable asset to FARDC, providing essential information about M23's plans and operations. He claimed that Kamanzi's information had led to the deaths of several M23 rebels, although he did not provide details. Kamanzi's defection to FRN was announced on October 27, 2026, with reports indicating that he had crossed into Angola before joining Kabila's coalition.
FARDC's allegations against Kamanzi include claims that he had been secretly meeting with Kabila, who had promised to appoint him as Makenga's replacement as leader of M23. Ekenge alleged that Kabila had made these promises due to Makenga's alleged health issues and disciplinary problems. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
Kamanzi's defection is seen as a significant blow to FARDC, given his experience and knowledge of the military's operations. FRN's spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirmed Kamanzi's joining of the coalition, citing his dissatisfaction with the Kinshasa government's treatment of civilians. The BBC had previously reported that two other high-ranking FARDC officers had also defected to FRN, although their names were not disclosed.
The M23 rebel group has been active in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern regions, particularly in North Kivu province. The group has been accused of committing human rights abuses and displacing civilians. FARDC's efforts to combat M23 have been ongoing, with the military launching several operations against the group in recent years.
Kamanzi's defection and FARDC's allegations against him have raised concerns about the military's effectiveness in combating rebel groups. The incident has also highlighted the complex and often fraught relationships between military leaders and politicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Further developments in this situation are expected to be closely watched by regional and international observers.
Key points
- FARDC accuses General Kamanzi of leaking information to M23 rebels
- Kamanzi defects to FRN, citing dissatisfaction with Kinshasa government
- Incident raises concerns about military effectiveness against rebel groups
