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 | |
|---|---|
| Dates of operation | 2022–present |
| Merger of |
|
| Headquarters | Pinga[1] |
| Active regions | Democratic Republic of the Congo |
| Opponents | March 23 Movement Rwanda |
| Battles and wars | Kivu Conflict |
History edit
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.
References edit
- ^ a b The 'wazalendo': Patriots at war in eastern DRC, 19 December 2023
- ^ a b "The 'wazalendo': Patriots at war in eastern DRC". Le Monde.fr. 2023-12-19. Retrieved 2024-03-17.
- ^ "Afrikarabia » Contre le M23, Kinshasa fait le pari risqué des groupes armés" (in French). Retrieved 2024-03-17.
- ^ "M23 crisis flares again in North Kivu: context, dynamics and risks". IPIS. Retrieved 2024-03-17.