Internal Divisions and Rivalries Weaken Cohesion Within M23 Leadership, Report Warns

April 4, 2026 - A new analysis highlights deep internal fractures within the M23 movement, warning that personal rivalries, strategic disagreements, and political-military tensions are weakening its overall cohesion at a critical moment in its evolution. The assessment indicates that the movement is divided along three main fault lines: tensions between its leadership and its external backers, rivalries between senior military commanders, and growing friction between its armed wing and its political structure, the Congo River Alliance (AFC). At the military level, long-standing mistrust between M23 Chief of Staff General Sultani Makenga and external supporters is described as a structural source of instability. While Makenga has historically maintained close ties with regional actors, relations have been repeatedly strained by past conflicts, shifting alliances, and concerns over discipline and reliability within the chain of command. The report also points to escalating competition between senior commanders, particularly between Makenga and General Baudouin Ngaruye, whose rivalry dates back to earlier phases of rebellion in eastern Congo. Although the two leaders were temporarily reconciled after rejoining the movement in recent years, tensions have reportedly re-emerged over operational authority and control of strategic resources, including customs revenue streams in areas under their influence. Beyond military leadership disputes, the study underscores growing friction between the armed wing of M23 and its political leadership under the AFC, led by Corneille Nangaa. The political structure was created to broaden the movement’s base beyond its traditional support base, but has increasingly been marked by competing visions over strategy and end goals. While the military leadership is largely focused on consolidating territorial control in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the political leadership is described as pursuing a broader national agenda, creating divergence in priorities and command structure. The report warns that these internal divisions could significantly complicate any future peace process, recalling that similar fractures contributed to the collapse of the movement in previous years and remain a key vulnerability amid ongoing conflict dynamics in the region.