### Human Rights Watch calls for action concerning the abuse of Wazalendo militiamen in South Kivu
The report recently published by the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlights a worrying problem in South Kivu, the province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) where the abuses committed by Wazalendo militiamen, supported by the Congolese army, raise crucial questions about human rights and security dynamics.
### Historical and political context
The South Kivu province has long been the scene of armed conflict, exacerbated by complex political, ethnic and socio-economic issues. The resurgence of the rebellious movement of March 23 (M23) in 2021, supported by external powers, caused an intensification of tensions. In this context, Wazalendo militiamen were entrusted with the task of supporting the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in the fight against these rebels. However, their commitment raises concerns about their methods and their impact on the civilian population.
### Abuses reported by Human Rights Watch
The HRW report highlights generalized abuses and extortion acts perpetrated by the Wazalendo against civilians. According to the testimonies collected, these militiamen have installed roadblocks and imposed illegal taxes on the population. These behaviors, often justified by their function as protectors of the community, seem to go against the fundamental principles of human rights. The NGO stresses that some militiamen behave as an unofficial police force, improvising judges and executors of laws, which exacerbates distrust between the population and the security forces.
It is striking to note that these abuses appear in a context where the Congolese government, instead of acting to prevent these abuses, continues to actively support these groups. Clémentine de Montjoye, senior researcher at HRW, warns that this complicity exposes the Congolese army to accusations of abuses, as support for the militias which operate outside established standards.
### Institutional and societal reactions
Reactions from local authorities, such as that of interim governor Jean-Jacques Elakano, also raise questions. Although he recognized the disability of the State to collect taxes because of the grip of militiamen on civil society, this admission highlights the weakness of the state in a context where its authority is directly challenged by non -state armed actors. This observation calls for a reflection on the need to strengthen state institutions, but also on militia engagement protocols.
### What lines of reflection?
Faced with this complex situation, several questions arise as for the ways of leaving this dead end. How can the Congolese state restore its authority on the ground? What strategy could be implemented to disarm and reintegrate these militiamen into civil society without worsening violence?
It would also be useful to explore dialogue initiatives between the various stakeholders, including civil society, local authorities, FARDC and the militiamen themselves. An open dialogue could make it possible to understand the motivations of the Wazalendo and to find solutions adapted to the challenges of the territory.
### Conclusion
Human Rights Watch’s report calls for a collective awareness of the dynamics of power at stake in South Kivu. The challenges are undeniable, but they should not prevent the international community and Congolese actors from working together to defend human rights and restore a peaceful security framework. The solutions may be based on the desire to listen, to dialogue and to imagine a future where respect for human rights is at the heart of the concerns of all the parties involved. This work of reconciliation and mutual understanding can only be done with a constant commitment and a measured approach, oriented towards respect for human dignity.