A few weeks before this meeting, starting on February 12, 2023, there were already reports of the movement of troops of the self-proclaimed rebel leader, William Amuri Yakutumba, who was sanctioned by the European Union in December 2022.
He moved his troops from Fizi to North Kivu, saying he wanted to fight the M23 and secure the Congolese-Rwandan border at Kamanyola.
General Ramazani Fundi, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) operational commander in Uvira, had said the army was considering how to facilitate the movement of Yakutumba's forces to the front.
The active collaboration between the Mai-Mai groups collectively referred to this force as Wazalendo ("Indigenous Patriots") and the support from FARDC was confirmed by the Minister of Higher and University Education, Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, during a press conference held in Goma on March 6, 2023.
He had specified that the government decision concerning the reserve forces was legalized as the Wazalendo.
"From next week, you will receive missions, will be equipped and will fight under the same supply conditions as the FARDC."
For Minister Nzangi, this legalization means that the Wazalendo could no longer hide. He insisted: "From now on, you are no longer negative forces. You become reserve forces!"
However today, in Eastern DRC, tensions are rising between Kinshasa and the Wazalendo militias, who are considered to support Congolese army in the fight against the AFC/M23. These groups have express growing frustration with the military authorities.
Despite the discretion of the Congolese authorities, it has been confirmed that between the end of 2023 and April 2024, they supplied large quantities of weapons and ammunition to Mai-Mai groups and other militias on the front line against the AFC/M23.
A document, seen by Africa Intelligence, a renowned media outlet that specializes in political and economic affairs in Africa indicates that nearly 2 million cartridges, 868 rockets, 284 bombs, 300 Kalashnikovs and 15 rocket launchers were delivered. This military support puts President Felix Tshisekedi in a delicate situation, as it could prepare the ground for future conflicts.
Frustration among the Wazalendo has intensified, particularly after a meeting in April 2024 with Tshisekedi. During this meeting, the leaders of the armed groups accused FARDC officers and provincial authorities of diverting part of the promised aid. Additionally, the assistance varies between groups: some receive ammunition, while others only receive food or small amounts of money.
On the ground, these militias, often isolated on the front lines, hope for recognition after the war, such as their integration into the national army. However, Kinshasa has so far only made vague promises, postponing discussions to a post-conflict period. Without concrete compensation, demobilization could become a major issue, and these fighters might take up arms again.
In the absence of coordination with the FARDC and without major offensives against the AFC/M23, the Wazalendo are often left on their own, which increases violence against civilians.
Faced with the rise of banditry in Goma and in the displaced persons' camps around Goma, the military Commander Peter Cirimwami banned militiamen from moving around the city with their weapons in April 2024, without any progress so far.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/drc-the-wazalendo-monster-threatens-its-creator
