What if the AFC/M23 showed the same courage and determination as Yemen's Houthis?

The Houthis, whose official name is Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), are a Shia Zaidi politico-religious armed movement that dominates large parts of Yemen.

Strategically and ideologically, the Houthis form part of the Iran-aligned regional resistance axis, equipped with a national politico-military project and a sophisticated ballistic arsenal that has allowed them to stand up to a regional military coalition led by Saudi Arabia, while disrupting international maritime trade in the Red Sea.

On 11 September 2026, Houthi rebels launched a lightning offensive in Yemen to seize the entire western coast and the strategic Bab el-Mandeb strait on the Red Sea.

Within 72 hours, the Houthis took control of the strategic port of Mocha, Zugar Island, Mayyoun Island (Perim) in the heart of the strait, and the Hanish Islands (Greater and Lesser).

Pro-government militias and Saudi-backed forces fell back or abandoned their positions in the face of the rebel advance.

This breakthrough allows the Houthis to control a vital bottleneck linking Asia to Europe via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal, driving up oil market tensions with Brent crude topping 100 dollars a barrel.

What if the AFC/M23 armed themselves with the same audacity?

Should the M23/AFC attempt to emulate the Houthis' strategic posture, asymmetrical resilience, and deep territorial entrenchment, Kinshasa would struggle to contain their resolve. Already, the AFC/M23 has inflicted several military defeats on Kinshasa's coalition, which comprises the FARDC, Wazalendo militia, the Burundian army, the FDLR, and Colombian mercenaries.

Already formidable on the battlefield, the AFC/M23 holds all the cards to force a capitulation of Kinshasa's government forces. Unfortunately, Kinshasa has opted from the outset for a stalling strategy, dragging the AFC/M23 into endless negotiations while blocking and sabotaging the implementation of resolutions.

Yet, in the eyes of the Congolese public, the AFC/M23 remains the sole alternative to end the dictatorship in Kinshasa, restore good governance, and ensure stability across the Great Lakes sub-region.

The example of Yemen's Houthis should serve as a blueprint: international pressure and the blackmail of certain corrupt international bodies must not hinder the realization and materialization of this vision for liberation.