On October 1, 2025, several members of the M23 movement were briefly arrested on charges of corruption and gold trafficking. Among them, Willy Ngoma, the group's military spokesperson, was imprisoned for nearly three weeks in late July for his alleged involvement in gold trafficking. Ibrahim Makenga, Sultani Makenga's younger brother, was also detained for several days in early July on suspicion of corruption, before being released and reinstated.
In an effort to strengthen discipline, General Sultani Makenga, the M23's military leader, disciplined certain officers involved in looting and embezzlement in areas controlled by the movement. Several senior officers, including the leader's brother, received short prison sentences. These measures are intended to project an image of integrity, despite accusations of widespread abuse and looting. The crackdown comes as the M23 consolidates its control over vast territories in eastern DRC, rich in precious minerals. According to UN reports, the group has illegally seized and trafficked large quantities of minerals such as tin, tantalum, and tungsten since the capture of Goma.
Other key members are also under investigation or in detention: François Kazarama, still in prison in Tchanzu for the murder of a Congolese citizen; Manzi Musonerwa, head of the DSR in Bukavu, arrested and demoted for alleged trafficking in stolen cars; and Jimmy Nzamuye, former commander in Goma, dismissed from his duties after an arrest for abuse of position.
The M23 movement is attempting to project an image of discipline while being accused of abuse and corruption.
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