### Wazalendo militias and the security situation in South Kivu: between armed struggle and human rights protection
The recent report of Human Rights Watch, published on May 23, draws attention to a delicate subject: the serious abuses committed by the “Wazalendo” militias against civilians in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the province of South Kivu. The NGO calls on the Congolese authorities to stop supporting these armed groups, stressing that their very existence raises crucial questions about power dynamics, security and respect for human rights in the region.
#### Context: the fight against M23 and the government’s response
To understand the current situation, it is essential to consider the context in which Wazalendo militias are born. These groups were in part in part in response to the threat posed by the rebel group M23, which was involved in persistent violence and human rights violations. Faced with this threat, the Congolese government has sought allies among local groups to support its armed forces. However, this approach raises questions about how these alliances can be bad practices.
Government support provides the Wazalendo with military equipment, but as the report noted, this aid can compromise the responsibility of the authorities vis-à-vis the otherwise controlled militias. The allegations according to which the Wazalendo fighters collect illegal taxes and commit abuses on the population highlight a disturbing phenomenon: the reversal of traditional roles of protection and violence.
#### The reported abuses: a worrying reality
Human Rights Watch’s report describes various abuses, such as acts of physical violence, extortion and harassment, which seem to target vulnerable and often isolated populations. The establishment of roadblocks in March and April, where the Wazalendo would have collected between 500 and 1,000 Congolese francs per person, is particularly disturbing. These actions are not content to fuel an insecurity climate; They also fuel a feeling of despair among a population already experienced by years of conflict.
The words collected by Human Rights Watch, like those of a resident of Uvira, highlight a growing perception that these militias consider themselves as police, intervening in civil conflicts and using violence with a feeling of impunity. This reveals deep discomfort, where the community, supposed to be protected by these self -defense groups, often finds itself at their mercy.
### Remains for human rights and government strategy
Clémentine de Montjoye, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, evokes the risks involved by the Congolese state by supporting the Wazalendo. Indeed, this support could make the government accomplice of human rights violations and the atrocities committed by these groups. This reality raises the fundamental question of the very nature of security: is it definitive, or can it become an instrument of systemic violence against the population?
Human Rights Watch’s recommendation to initiate an impartial investigation into abuses and disarm the militias raising avenues for reflection. How could the Congolese government reassess its alliances while seeking to ensure the safety of citizens? What model of human rights protection could be envisaged without compromising the fight against insecurity?
### towards a peaceful resolution: the role of local actors
To further illuminate this complex situation, it could be useful to explore the different local perceptions of the Wazalendo. Although they are often perceived as oppressors, there are also voices that describe these militias as defense craftsmen in the face of a perceived threat. This illustrates the need to include local communities in the conversation on security and peace strategies, in order to develop solutions that take into account the concerns of the inhabitants.
The creation of open forums for dialogue between the government, militias and civil society could also offer constructive options to approach abuses and violations. This would require a sincere commitment to peaceful solutions and respect for fundamental rights.
#### Conclusion
The situation in South Kivu presents a nuanced and complex table where armed struggle, human rights protection and government responsibility intersect. The Human Rights Watch report serves as a warning against the dangers of blind support for militias, while offering crucial lines of reflection on the need for a renewed commitment to the security of Congolese citizens. In this quest for a balance between security and human rights, dialogue, inclusiveness and responsibility should be at the heart of future initiatives. The resolution of this crisis can only emerge from a collective reflection and a common desire to make lasting changes.