Armed Group Wazalendo Leaders Speak Out Against Conflict and Sanctions in Eastern Democratic Republic of Columbia

 

In an exclusive interview with Africanews, General Dominique Kamanzi Ndarurutse and Jean-Claude Habyarimana, key leaders of the “Wazalendo” armed coalition, have spoken out for the first time about their involvement in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Aligned with the Congolese army (FARDC), the Wazalendo are engaged in fierce battles against the M23 rebels, who continue to expand in the North Kivu region.

The European Union imposed sanctions on the Wazalendo in July, accusing the group of severe human rights abuses — charges both leaders vehemently deny. “These sanctions are fabricated, and we are not concerned about them,” said Kamanzi, a prominent member of the Coalition of Movements for Change (CMC) and the Wazalendo. “They know we stand in the way of their plans to balkanize our nation. We won’t surrender; they want to exploit our minerals and wealth.”

The conflict in eastern DRC has drawn international attention, with the UN Security Council recently approving MONUSCO’s mandate to provide logistical support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) operation in the DRC. This decision comes as the M23 rebels, known for their history of violence and territorial ambitions, continue to threaten regional peace.

The Wazalendo leaders expressed cautious optimism about SADC’s involvement. Speaking on behalf of the group, Habyarimana highlighted SADC’s past support for the DRC, including their assistance in 2013 and their earlier backing of Laurent Kabila against the RCD (Rassemblement Congolais). However, he also voiced concerns about SADC’s current commitment, citing a lack of “enthusiasm” and clarity. “All Congolese hope that SADC, as trusted partners, will use every possible mechanism to ensure their presence on our soil is not in vain, unlike the East African Community (EAC),” he said.

These doubts are echoed by residents of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, who question the effectiveness of foreign forces like MONUSCO. Local resident Christophe Muisa expressed frustration: “We are still disappointed that MONUSCO, which is supposed to provide logistical support to SADC, has not succeeded. They have been here for over a year without launching any offensives. Today, it seems that only the DRC’s armed forces and the Wazalendo are willing to risk their lives to ensure peace and security.”

For those involved in the M23 uprising, the consequences have been severe. On Thursday, a Congolese military court sentenced 26 people to death for their roles in the rebellion, with 21 of the defendants still at large. The court found them guilty of war crimes, participation in an insurrection, and treason, with no mitigating circumstances.

As the situation in eastern DRC continues to evolve, groups like the Wazalendo and the FARDC remain crucial in the fight to restore peace and security to the region.