Wazalendo | |
---|---|
Dates of operation | May 2023–present |
Merger of |
|
Headquarters | Pinga[1] |
Active regions | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
Opponents | March 23 Movement Rwanda |
Battles and wars | Kivu Conflict |
The Wazalendo (Swahili for Patriots) is a group of irregular fighters[2] in North Kivu province made up of rebel groups allied with the official Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) military and opposed to the M23.[3] 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.[4][5]
In November 2022, President Félix Tshisekedi called for the formation of "vigilance groups against the expansionist ambitions" of the M23.[3] The response was increased recruitment for the official FARDC military forces, but rebel groups also claimed the mantle of resisting the M23.[3]
On May 8th and 9th of 2023, several rebel groups and FARDC officers met in the town of Pinga and negotiated a nonaggression pact and the creation of a patriotic coalition to resist the M23. The FARDC officers were led by Col. Salomon Tokolonga, commander of the 3411th regiment.[6] While the alliance was initially organized in secret, the government officially legalized the use of militias within FARDC on September 3rd, 2023.[7]
The Wazalendo fought in the Second Battle of Kitshanga against the M23.