The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo have called on more M23 fighters to lay down their arms after 7sur7 reported that 204 rebels surrendered in April and May 2026 in the area covered by the 34th military region.

According to Major Dieudonné Kasereka, the military region’s communications officer, the fighters came from Lubero, Rutshuru and Masisi in North Kivu, as well as Kalehe in South Kivu. He said they arrived with weapons and other military equipment before being received by the national army.

The FARDC says the latest surrenders reflect growing pressure inside M23 ranks, with the army urging other combatants to abandon the rebellion and present themselves to government forces. The report follows earlier surrender claims in eastern Congo, including a previous report on M23-RDF fighters surrendering to FARDC.

The development comes as fighting and territorial shifts continue across North and South Kivu, where M23 remains one of the main armed actors in the conflict. Recent security tracking by Critical Threats has also noted continued clashes and reported withdrawals in parts of eastern DRC.