Kigali, Rwanda | In a significant development, over 280 mercenaries, predominantly Romanian nationals, have surrendered to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels after the capture of Goma city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The surrender occurred on January 29, 2025, following intense fighting that led to the city’s fall.
The mercenaries had been fighting alongside the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and militia coalitions before their retreat. Upon surrendering, they were paraded at the Grande Barrière border in Rubavu, where Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma, M23’s military spokesperson, instructed them never to return to DRC. He challenged them to explain how they could earn USD 8,000 per month while FARDC soldiers receive less than USD 100.
After being processed on the Congolese side of the border, the mercenaries were escorted across into Rwanda. Rwandan security officials conducted thorough checks before transporting them under tight security to Kigali International Airport for deportation.
The Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) confirmed the receipt of the mercenaries in a statement, highlighting their transition from combatants to deportees following the M23’s strategic victory in Goma.