A group of elected officials from Kivu denounces what they describe as a “slanderous campaign” aimed, at discrediting the Wazalendo fighters.

A coalition of national and provincial lawmakers from Kivu voiced their concerns on Friday, June 6, regarding what they term a “smear campaign” that aims to tarnish the reputation of Wazalendo fighters. These fighters, who ally with the FARDC in combating the M23 rebel group, are misrepresented as a threat to stability in eastern DRC, assert these officials.

The parliamentarians specifically criticized a report released by the Ebuteli Research Institute, accusing it of playing a role in perpetuating the smear campaign against the Wazalendo. Among those speaking out were MPs Kamundu Batundi Didier, Ndayishimiye Justin, Muhozi Ngaruye Emmanuel, and Kamuntu Kashali, who represent the Wazalendo. They stated that since early May 2025, there has been a “national and international campaign of criminalization” against their fighters. They believe that this effort is intended to weaken their impact in resisting the M23 and its Rwandan backers, as well as to undermine the armed groups’ contributions to upholding national sovereignty. Muhozi Ngaruye Emmanuel, a provincial deputy for Rutshuru in North Kivu, emphasized the Wazalendo’s crucial role in countering what he describes as the “balkanization project” targeting the DRC. He pointed out that since the M23’s resurgence, the Wazalendo have effectively mitigated attempts to destabilize the nation: “For three years, we have managed to contain them and thwart their advances, showcasing our combat effectiveness, resilience, and profound love for our country.”

A Call for Presidential Support

These lawmakers from North Kivu and South Kivu are urging President Félix Tshisekedi to sustain his support for the Wazalendo, whom they refer to as “sentinels” of national sovereignty. They caution against narratives propagated by some in the President’s circle, allegations that aim to discredit the Wazalendo: “Those around you suggesting that we, the Wazalendo, should be sidelined do not have your best interests or those of the Democratic Republic of Congo at heart.” Muhozi Ngaruye stressed the need for vigilance despite current negotiations taking place in Washington and Doha, asserting that the rebels and their backing supporters in Kigali remain undeterred in their ambitions: “Merely because the gunfire has subsided does not imply the conflict has concluded. While we support your initiatives in Washington and Qatar, we must remain vigilant, functioning as true sentinels.” In closing, these elected representatives appealed to the Head of State to allocate essential resources to the Wazalendo, lamenting the dire circumstances under which these fighters operate: “We urge you to instruct the relevant authorities to ensure we have the necessary resources to fulfill our roles as sentinels, as many of us are suffering from hunger.”