Congolese community urges Kenya to probe alleged M23 recruitment in Nairobi

Members of the Congolese community in Kenya have called on the government to investigate alleged recruitment, mobilisation and fundraising activities linked to the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 movement in Nairobi, warning that Kenya's democratic freedoms should not be exploited to fuel the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Ganza Daniel Cédrick, President of the association representing the Banyamulenge community in the Katanga (Lubumbashi) region of the DRC, said Kenya's reputation as a regional peace broker made it imperative that its territory was not be used to support armed groups.

"Kenya has built a strong reputation as a country that believes in democracy, peace and the rule of law. We are appealing to the Kenyan authorities to ensure that these democratic freedoms are not exploited to recruit, mobilise or raise funds for an armed conflict taking place in the DRC," he said.

The community alleged that individuals associated with AFC/M23 had travelled to Nairobi to mobilise members of the Congolese community, recruit support for the movement and conduct fundraising activities, including within churches. It also claimed that young Congolese people, including minors, may have been targeted for recruitment.

Daniel called on Kenyan authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations.

"We are not asking the Kenyan government to act on rumours or political accusations. We are asking for a professional, independent and impartial investigation so that the truth can be established and appropriate action taken if wrongdoing is found," he said.

He further expressed concern that refugee protection could be misused to facilitate political mobilisation or logistical activities linked to armed groups.

"Refugee protection is meant to protect people fleeing conflict and persecution. It should never become a platform for recruiting young people, mobilising communities or financing an armed movement," Daniel said.

The appeal comes amid continued fighting in eastern DRC, where M23 has seized key territories, including Goma and Bukavu.

The United Nations Security Council has condemned the group's offensive and demanded that it cease hostilities and withdraw from occupied areas, while the United States has imposed sanctions on individuals linked to AFC and M23.

The Congolese community urged Kenyan security agencies to investigate the allegations, strengthen oversight of activities involving minors and support regional peace initiatives aimed at ending the conflict.

"Freedom of expression and assembly are fundamental rights, and we respect them. But those rights must not be manipulated to facilitate armed violence. Our message is simple: protect democracy, protect refugees and protect peace," Daniel said.