Twin sons of Col. Vianney Kazarama have reportedly been released after spending months in detention under AFC/M23 intelligence authorities, according to information obtained by BWIZA.
The two young men had allegedly been accused of illegally possessing weapons and sharing intelligence with Kigali, accusations that sources close to the matter say were heavily disputed inside AFC/M23 military circles.
Their detention had quietly become a sensitive issue among senior officers, with some commanders reportedly questioning the justification behind their imprisonment.
A source familiar with the case told BWIZA that the conditions in which the twins were held were extremely harsh, adding that one of them suffered severe physical abuse that resulted in long-term medical complications.
“His teeth were violently destroyed inside his mouth. Metal replacements were later inserted, and now he is reportedly suffering from oral cancer linked to those procedures,” the source said.
The allegations have fueled concern among residents and observers monitoring security practices in areas controlled by AFC/M23, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees accused of political or security-related offenses.
Sources further indicate that the matter eventually reached Gen. Sultani Makenga, the military commander of AFC/M23 forces, who reportedly believed the two young men had been imprisoned unfairly.
The arrest reportedly stemmed from a video showing one of the twins firing a weapon during New Year celebrations while accompanying a Major known for serving in Makenga’s security detail.
People close to the Kazarama family say the ordeal has left deep emotional scars within the family, with some relatives now considering relocation abroad out of fear and uncertainty.
“In reality, the Kazarama family no longer feels safe. Some relatives are traumatized, others are trying to move to Europe and hide there, and some have already left Congo with no intention of returning,” a source told BWIZA.
Attempts by BWIZA to obtain an official response from AFC/M23 leadership reportedly went unanswered.
Col. Vianney Kazarama himself declined to directly comment on the detention and release of his sons, saying he remains focused on ongoing mobilization efforts encouraging Rwandan fighters operating in armed groups in eastern Congo to return home.
That campaign has reportedly facilitated the repatriation of more than 500 individuals from the forests of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Political and security analysts believe the case could reopen debate about intelligence operations, detention procedures, and human rights concerns in territories controlled by AFC/M23.
Others argue that the incident may expose growing internal tensions involving influential families and senior military structures within the movement as the security situation in eastern Congo continues to evolve.
