Many Wazalendo fighters and Burundian soldiers fled to Uvira territory after being pushed out of areas in South Kivu Province, including Bukavu city, by the AFC/M23.
The government-backed fighters had previously clashed with the Congolese army, accusing it of cowardice for avoiding combat and attempting to retreat to places like Kalemie in Tanganyika Province.
Wazalendo forces have recently been trying to launch offensives in areas controlled by AFC/M23, particularly in South Kivu, aiming to recapture lost territory. However, most of the attacks have failed, with Wazalendo being repelled almost immediately.
After a period of cooperation between Wazalendo and Burundian forces, a visit by Defence Minister Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita to Uvira on April 7, 2025, revealed the deteriorating relationship.
A Wazalendo leader told Minister Muadiamvita that whenever their fighters attempted to attack AFC/M23, the Burundian troops stopped them, even when the fighters believed they had a chance to win.
'We Wazalendo face many challenges on the battlefield. You are here with our leader and the regional commander, so tell us what the mission and purpose of the Burundian army in our country is. Every time we're close to defeating the enemy in Kamanyola, the Burundians always tell us, 'No, you're not allowed to attack the enemy here,'" he said.
Minister Muadiamvita attempted to ease the tension, explaining that Burundi is an ally of the DRC. He said Burundian troops only prevent attacks on AFC/M23 because they have their own strategy and plans for combat, whether during the day or at night.
Wazalendo forces say they are the ones defending Uvira, warning that if they leave their positions, AFC/M23 would immediately seize the territory. This reflects a loss of faith in both Burundian and Congolese armies.
The coalition also highlighted challenges such as lack of adequate weapons, ammunition, and food, noting that 'it's hard to feed over 6,000 fighters.' They appealed to President Félix Tshisekedi to heed their pleas.
The revelations about Wazalendo's dire conditions came after the group's leader, Lt Gen. Padiri Bulenda David, was summoned to Kinshasa for undisclosed reasons.
IGIHE
