Describing the complex web of alliances between FARDC, FDLR terrorist group, Wazalendo, and other militias, he paints a chilling picture of the battlefield where survival came at the cost of morality and humanity.
'Whenever we were about to fight, Gen Justin would give us orders on how we should behave in battle and give us ammunition: one would take the machine gun, another the RPG, and another the mortar,' Niyitanga recounted.
'They were provided by FARDC, and we would go to the frontline with assurance of invading Rwanda. After that, we would go to the battle and find FARDC, FDLR, and Burundians there. We used to form a coalition comprising the FARDC, Wazalendo, FDLR and fight together.'
Niyitanga's journey began when he entered the DRC to seek work but was soon swept into the ranks of the Nyatura militia, along with his companions, after being coerced to carry water for armed groups.
Less than two months of training in a camp called Ntiti left him and other recruits unprepared for the brutality of the battlefield in Eastern DRC, where survival often hinged on compliance with their commanders' ruthless orders.
'Anyone who disobeyed orders was killed,' he admitted, 'so we complied, fighting against M23, even though we were always defeated.'
His experiences echo those of Hatangimana Delphin, a 21-year-old soldier who also defected from the Wazalendo militia.
Hatangimana's story began tragically when he and other herdsmen were ambushed while grazing cattle.
Rebels stole their livestock, killed his companions, and left him alone and terrified. In a desperate bid to survive, he agreed to join the militia and eventually became a bodyguard to their senior leader.
'As Wazalendo, we fought battles alongside FDLR, FARDC, and other groups,' Hatangimana shared.
'They would coordinate us all. For instance, they would say our battalion should lead, and FDLR would back us up, while FARDC would reinforce us. All weapons, bullets, food supplies, and these heavy weapons came from FARDC.'
Collaboration between FARDC, FDLR, Wazalendo, and Burundians
Ishimwe Patrick, 24, had spent years fighting for the terrorist group FDLR. However, upon witnessing its corrupt practices and its genocidal agenda that devastated Rwanda, he decided to defectâ€"even though it felt like signing his own death warrant, as anyone caught fleeing was killed on the spot.
He confirmed that the recent battles they fought against M23 were coordinated with FARDC and other groups allied with the Kinshasa regime's military.
But despite their heavy weaponry, the M23 forces led by Gen Sultan Makenga consistently defeated them.
He recounted, 'We fought at Kishishe alongside FARDC. We fought at Kibilizi with Mai Mai, FARDC, and FDLR. We moved to Kirundure with FARDC and Mai Mai.'
He added that wounded FDLR fighters were treated in government hospitals in DRC, but those who died were abandoned, exposing the inhumane nature of the operations.
Genocidal ideology
Ishimwe Patrick joined FDLR alongside 200 other fighters, but over time he realized their mission was futile. They suffered constant defeats, often being overwhelmed in battle.
He said, 'The ideology of Wazalendo, FDLR, and FARDC is that M23 consists of Rwandans invading Congo. They told us that after defeating M23, we would invade Rwanda. However, given the infighting, tribalism, and disunity within these groups, I doubt they will ever achieve their goals.'
The ideology of extermination, particularly targeting Tutsis, was deeply ingrained in FDLR fighters, FARDC, and allied militias. This doctrine was instilled during their training.
Mugisha, who defected from Wazalendo, explained, 'There was someone we lived with called Gen Hadaranka. They claimed he collaborated with Rwanda, even though he was a Congolese soldier working with Mbokani. They later arrested another person, accusing him of being Tutsi. They discriminated against us, even tormenting civilians.'
Plot to attack Rwanda
Defectors from Wazalendo and FDLR testified that their training and battles revolved around defeating M23 and eventually invading Rwanda.
Niyitanga said, 'Life in Congo was extremely challenging. We lived in the forests, and if you came across a woman with money, you would rob her. Our general would order us to find someone with money, break into their house at night, and take it. If they resisted, we would shoot them.'
These young men were brainwashed into believing that looting and killing civilians were ways to sustain themselves.
Hatangimana added, 'They told us to fight against Rwanda by fighting M23, accusing them of being Rwandans. They also instructed us to take whatever civilians had so we could surviveâ€"soap and other necessities.'
He revealed that their battles would rarely succeed, and whenever M23 retaliated, they would scatter. The wounded were taken to government hospitals in Goma, while the dead were left behind.
Message to the youth
Having experienced the horrors of the Congolese forestsâ€"watching people being killed, looting civilians, and killing for survivalâ€"these young defectors said it was a life they would not wish on anyone.
They urged Rwandan youth to seize the opportunities Rwanda offers instead of plunging into a death trap.
Niyitanga said, 'Our Rwanda is peaceful. Going to Congo is like embracing death and misery. It is better to stay in Rwanda and contribute to its development.'
Hatangimana appealed to other youth still in FDLR, Wazalendo, and similar militias to return and join the effort to build their country.
He concluded, 'I urge my fellow Rwandan youth to avoid being misled by those who promise riches in Congo. They tell you that you will find wealth, but it's all a lie. You leave a peaceful life in Rwanda only to find that where you came from was better than where you're going.'
IGIHE
