
“Temporary capital of South Kivu, Uvira was the scene of an outburst of anger led by the wazalendo. If the arrival of a government delegation helped to ease the tension, the episode highlighted the growing influence of these militias, which are as essential as they are unpredictable supporters of the Congolese army against the M23. (Jeune Africa)” (News.CD, 29.09.2025).
Earlier in the year as the M23/AFC was advancing and the tide was looking bad for the FARDC/Wazalendo brigades, as the M23/AFC was able to tactically and technically savvy who was skilled in conquering territories. That is now continuing he fierce battle between government forces and the proxy militias are persisting.
The continued warfare and skirmishes in the Kivu Provinces aren’t over. They are causing enough headlines or concerns, but they should. The usage of force and extra judicial killings continues. The state is weak and the national army needs stable allies. The FARDC cannot handle this pressure and the ability of M23/AFC on it’s own. That’s why they need the support and the trust of the Wazalendo/VDP.
That’s a loss of the state that it needs this militia and outfit to combat M23. These Patriotic Defenders needs help and support too. The state needs to build trust and coordinate properly with them. The state doesn’t need tension and distrust with the ones who is fighting their battle for them. The FARDC is the failure here and they should be ashamed that they need a militia to do their job. That’s the gist here…
The Congolese Army needs to recalibrate and has to act swiftly, it has already lost to much territories to the M23/AFC and cannot afford to lose more. They need restructure and have a stable communication with Wazalendo/VDP. That is vital for them and it becomes more important, as the M23 will use any moment of weakness to it’s advantage. They will target and annex more territory. That’s what it does and it earns more profit of the loot. M23 runs like that and the state should be aware of that by now.
This game isn’t better, but more complicated and the President, the state and the Congolese Army should know their duty. The Congolese state and authorities has a task and they should know it well. This isn’t something new and insurgency has been rampant, but M23 have made a fool out of them. That’s why FARDC and Wazalendo/VDP has to act and do it with coordination. Certainly, the M23 is seeing and watching everything.
They are awaiting their moment to strike and when they have the word, they will hit hard and they will annihilate anyone in their way. So, FARDC and Wazalendo/VDP has to do the right thing, but I wouldn’t count on it. Peace.












