"We're appealing": Kenya urged to investigate alleged M23 recruitment in Nairobi
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Members of the Congolese community in Kenya called on the government to probe alleged AFC/M23 recruitment and fundraising activities in Nairobi
- Community president Ganza Daniel claimed minors may have been targeted for recruitment
- The appeals come amid the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 has seized major cities including Goma and Bukavu
Members of the Congolese community living in Kenya have formally appealed to the Kenyan government to investigate claims that individuals affiliated with the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 movement have been conducting recruitment, mobilisation and fundraising activities within Nairobi.
Ganza Daniel, president of the Mutualite Banyamulenge Community in Katanga, DRC, said Kenya's standing as a regional peace broker made it imperative that its territory not be used to advance the interests of armed groups operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"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," Daniel said.
Allegations Against AFC/M23 Operatives
The community alleges that AFC/M23-linked individuals have travelled to Nairobi specifically to solicit support from Congolese residents, and that fundraising connected to the movement has occurred in sections of the Congolese community, including churches.
There are further allegations that young Congolese people, among them minors, have been targeted for recruitment into the armed movement.
Daniel, speaking in a video shared to media in both Kenya and DRC, urged authorities to conduct an independent inquiry rather than dismiss the claims outright.
"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.
The community also raised concern over individuals who hold refugee status in Kenya and are allegedly involved in political or logistical activities tied to the armed movement.
Daniel said refugee protection must remain a purely humanitarian instrument.
"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," he said.
Broader Context of the DRC Conflict
The appeals arrive against the backdrop of a severe and prolonged crisis in eastern DRC, where M23 has captured significant territory, including the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.
In February 2025, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2773, condemning M23's offensive and demanding a withdrawal from occupied areas, while also calling on the Rwanda Defence Force to end its support for the group.
The United States has imposed sanctions on key figures linked to the conflict. In July 2024, the US Treasury designated Corneille Nangaa, AFC's coordinator, describing the coalition as seeking to overthrow the DRC government in collaboration with M23.
In April 2026, former DRC President Joseph Kabila was also sanctioned, accused of backing M23 and AFC, allegations he has rejected.
Kenya has previously engaged the DRC conflict through the Nairobi Process, a regional diplomatic framework that the UN Security Council has endorsed as part of broader peace efforts. Daniel said Kenya should use that influence constructively.
"Kenya has an opportunity to demonstrate that democracy and peace can reinforce each other. We want Kenya to remain a neutral and trusted partner in the search for peace in the Great Lakes region," he said.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.