Loading AI tools
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]
| 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 |
In November 2022, President Félix Tshisekedi called for the formation of "vigilance groups against the expansionist ambitions" of the M23. 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 8-9, 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 3, 2023.[7]
The Wazalendo fought in the Second Battle of Kitshanga against the M23.
Wikiwand in your browser!
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.
