Contribution of Wazalendo fighters alongside the FARDC for the restoration of peace in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

The contribution of the Wazalendo alongside the FARDC has been a key factor in the effort to restore peace in eastern DRC. However, for this peace to be sustainable, improved coordination, resource management, and, above all, a strengthened presence of state authorities are essential to ensure long-term stability. While the Wazalendo provide local military support to the FARDC, their role is ambiguous, as they also become a major source of instability and violence against the civilian populations they are supposed to protect, complicating peace efforts in eastern DRC. Eastern DRC has been a conflict zone for over two decades, where civil war and instability have created fertile ground for armed groups. The FARDC, although engaged in combat against these militias, have often been understaffed or poorly equipped. The Wazalendo, local militias presenting themselves as patriots, are fighting alongside the FARDC in eastern DRC against the M23, providing popular support and local defense, but their presence complicates peace, as they are accused of abuses (sexual violence, kidnappings, looting), recruiting child soldiers, and taking advantage of the chaos to enrich themselves through illegal taxes and roadblocks, increasing insecurity despite their supposed role in the fight against aggression.