Wazakendo attack in South - Kivu

In response to rebel attacks targeting their positions and the civilian population, the #Wazalendo*1) have just seized control of the town of #Shanje, the village of #Gasenda, and the Bukumba hills in the #Kalehe territory (South Kivu province) following fierce fighting. The M23 rebels—allied with #Rwanda—are currently in a disorganized retreat toward Byonde, while other units are moving toward #Numbi. *1) There are serious allegations and documented cases of crimes involving certain Wazalendo groups. However, the term does not refer to a unified organization but rather a loose alliance of various armed groups in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. In Swahili, "Wazalendo" roughly translates to "patriots." What crimes are alleged? Human rights organizations and UN bodies report, among other things: killings and extrajudicial executions; torture, beatings, and arbitrary detention; looting and extortion of the population; sexual violence and gang rape; abductions; recruitment and use of child soldiers; ethnically motivated attacks, particularly against Banyamulenge civilians. Amnesty International has documented cases in which both Wazalendo and M23 fighters committed serious human rights violations. Some of these acts could constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law. Why are they supported despite this? Some Wazalendo groups are fighting alongside the Congolese army (FARDC) against the M23 rebellion. The government therefore views them as local allies or self-defense groups. This support reportedly encompassed weapons, logistics, or political backing. This gives rise to a significant problem: the state employs armed groups against the M23 but apparently lacks sufficient control over them in all areas. Consequently, groups officially acting as "patriots" can simultaneously plunder or attack the civilian population. The UN and human rights organizations are therefore warning of impunity and a further escalation of the conflict.