Sultani Makenga
Sultani Makenga is a Congolese rebel commander who leads the M23 militia, an armed group known for its military offensives in the resource-rich eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Born into the Tutsi ethnic group in Nord-Kivu province, Makenga has a history of involvement in regional conflicts, having risen through the ranks of the Rwandan army after the 1994 genocide. He has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses and is considered a skilled military strategist, although he rarely appears in public. Makenga's forces have recently escalated their attacks in the Kivu provinces, causing significant displacement and casualties among the local population.
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Recent news mentions
M23 commander Sultani Makenga addressed a graduation ceremony of recent recruits, stating they were working on bringing change to their nation.
M23 opposes the opening of DRC’s Goma International Airport – The Mail & Guardian
South Africa· 2025-10-31
M23 commander Sultani Makenga said they were working on 'bringing change to our nation'.
DRC peace deals hang in the balance as the government forces shell M23-controlled areas – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-10-29Sultani Makenga is the leader of M23, a rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Razbuktao se najbrutalniji rat na svetu, masakr u crkvi preti da zapali region
Serbia· 2025-07-28
M23 leader Sultani Makenga is a Congolese Tutsi who previously fought in the Rwandan army.
What is the fighting in Goma about?
United Kingdom· 2025-05-02
Sultani Makenga is the long-time leader of the M23 rebel group.
EU-sanktioner mot personer från Rwanda för kriget i Kongo
Sweden· 2025-03-16
Makenga is the military chief of the M23.
DR Congo offers bounty for arrest of M23 leaders
Kenya· 2025-03-08
The UN Force Intervention Brigade was responsible for halting M23’s 2013 campaign in the eastern DRC and forcing its former leader, Sultani Makenga, to surrender.
Rwanda, M23 and the fight for influence in eastern DRC – The Mail & GuardianSouth Africa· 2025-02-21
Sultani Makenga leads the M23 rebel group in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Kommandeur der M23-Rebellentruppe: Sultani Makenga führt Offensive in Kongo an - Politik
Germany· 2025-02-11
Sultani Makenga leads the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Kommandeur der M23-Rebellentruppe: Sultani Makenga führt Offensive in Kongo an - PolitikGermany· 2025-02-11