...formerly the Congo Free State, Belgian Congo, Zaire, and who knows what else, not to be confused with the Brazzaville Congo aka Republic of Congo, which is much smaller and much more (for Africa) stable. DRC gave the world Patrice Lumumba and Joseph Mobutu, followed by years of tedious civil war. Its principle industry seems to be the production of corpses. With a population of about 74 million it has lots of raw material...
, a group of young people aged 18 to 25, known as the "Wazalendo" or "patriotic resistors," have taken up arms to defend their country. Teaming up with the Congolese army, they claim to have successfully pushed back the M23 rebels, who are supported by the Rwandan army, from the town of Sake.
Katembo Faustin, Commander of the FAR-W Group (Forces Armées des Résistants Wazalendo), emphasized the unity and collaboration that led to their success:
"We succeeded in repelling the M23 because we united with the government and, as Wazalendo, we came together to push back the enemy. I can assure you that the M23 will never reach here again. We are doing everything to protect Sake."
The fighting between the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo), supported by the Wazalendo, and the M23 rebels has intensified in the North Kivu region. Many young Congolese have taken up arms, driven by a sense of duty to defend their homeland.
Innocent Mihigo, a fighter of the FAR-W Group, expressed his motivations:
"I decided to take up arms to defend my country, honor the national flag, and give hope to my fellow Congolese. They must understand that we are fighting to defend the nation with love and unity."
Despite the patriotic fervor, human rights
...which often include carefully measured allowances of
freedomat the convenience of the state...
organizations have raised concerns. They acknowledge the dedication of these young fighters but condemn the human rights violations committed by some alongside the Congolese army. These organizations are calling for the government to exercise greater oversight and responsibility.