Wazalendo | |
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Dates of operation | 2022–present |
Merger of |
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Headquarters | Pinga[1] |
Active regions | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Opponents | March 23 Movement![]() |
Battles and wars | Kivu Conflict |
The Wazalendo (Swahili for Patriots) is an anti-M23 rebel coalition created by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in May 2023 as a coalition of pro-government (or largely anti-M23) rebel groups in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.[2] It consists of the Alliance of Patriots for a Free and Sovereign Congo (APCLS), Nduma Defense of Congo-Renovated (NDC-R), the Collective of Movements for Change (CMC), Patriotic Self-Defense Movement (MPA), and different Nyatura groups.[3][4]
Wazalendo was created by the FARDC in May 2023 as a coalition of anti-M23 rebel groups to fight against the M23.
In November 2022, President Félix Tshisekedi called for the formation of "vigilance groups against the expansionist ambitions" of the M23,[2] which was a rallying call for the Wazalendo.
The Wazalendo fought in the Second Battle of Kitshanga against the M23.