In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a new wave of female fighters has emerged, joining local self-defense militias known as Wazalendo to combat the M23 rebel group. Among them is 20-year-old Marie Byamwungu, who shares her experiences of fierce battles and the pride she feels in defending her community. The Wazalendo, which translates to "patriots" in Kiswahili, comprises various armed groups formed to protect local populations from the escalating violence of the M23, which has led to significant displacement and suffering in the region.
The M23 group, originally composed of former soldiers who mutinied from the Congolese army in 2012, has intensified its military activities since early 2022. This resurgence has resulted in approximately 1.7 million people being forced from their homes, many of whom now live in makeshift camps with inadequate shelter and food. The United Nations and the U.S. Department of State have alleged that M23 is supported by Rwanda and Uganda, claims both countries deny, further complicating the geopolitical landscape of the conflict.
In response to the growing threat, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has called upon the youth to take up arms, urging them to form vigilance groups to support the national army, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Following this call, various militia leaders convened to form alliances, resulting in a government decree that legitimized the presence of local militias within the national army framework. This has led to a situation where the Wazalendo often spearhead attacks against M23, with FARDC following closely behind.
Byamwungu's journey into the Wazalendo reflects the dire circumstances many young women face in the DRC. She fled her village amid heavy fighting, losing everything and landing in a displacement camp where survival was a daily struggle. The camp, characterized by its precarious living conditions, left her feeling vulnerable, especially as women faced the constant threat of sexual violence. After enduring these hardships, she chose to join the Wazalendo, seeking both empowerment and a way to protect her community.
The Wazalendo coalition has become a melting pot of newly formed rebel units and established fighters, united in their fight against M23. Women like Byamwungu and Vivienne Ntumba, another young fighter, have taken on roles that often place them in danger. Ntumba leads a group of female fighters within the Alliance of Patriots for a Free and Sovereign Congo, another faction of the Wazalendo. Both women express a sense of pride in their roles, viewing their participation as a means to reclaim agency in a conflict that has largely marginalized them.
However, the involvement of these militias raises concerns about human rights abuses. Reports from the United Nations have accused Wazalendo members of committing atrocities, including executions and kidnappings. Despite these allegations, the Congolese government has fostered a partnership with these groups, viewing them as essential allies in the fight against M23. This collaboration has blurred the lines between official military forces and local militias, complicating accountability for any violations that occur during the conflict.
The stories of families affected by this conflict highlight the personal toll of war. Many mothers live in fear, unsure if they will see their children again after they join the fight. Zawadi Tumsifi, for instance, lost her husband to the violence and now grapples with the reality of her daughter joining a militia. The cycle of violence continues as young women, driven by desperation and the need for protection, enlist in armed groups, perpetuating a cycle that leaves communities fractured and vulnerable.
As the conflict rages on, the future remains uncertain for both the fighters and the civilians caught in the crossfire. The women rebels, while proud of their roles, express a longing for peace amid the chaos. Their stories underscore the complexities of the DRC's ongoing struggle, where the fight for survival intertwines with the quest for dignity and agency in a landscape marred by violence and instability.
