The phenomenon of the Wazalendo militia in the Nyamilima area, Rutshuru territory (North Kivu), continues to arouse concern and indignation. According to a Rutshuru notable, Aimée Mbusa, this militia collects more than 20,000 USD each month thanks to an illegal tax called “vodo”. This exorbitant sum is taken from a population estimated between 50,000 and 80,000 people, who are forced to pay 1,000 Congolese francs per month.
This real racket weighs heavily on the inhabitants of the Nyamilima area, who already live in a precarious and unstable situation. In the absence of state authority, the Wazalendo militia assumed the right to collect this tax, proven by the use of a security token. Mbusa also denounces the fact that even travelers taking the Nguenda-Ishasha section towards the Congolese-Ugandan border must pay this tax at each barrier.
This situation is all the more alarming as the territorial administrator of Rutshuru, supposed to ensure the security of the population, is currently based in Kanyabayonga, thus leaving the Nyamilima area in the hands of the Wazalendo militia.
Faced with this reality, it is urgent that the Congolese government take measures to restore state authority in this region and put an end to this illegal tax. It is also necessary to put in place effective security mechanisms to ensure the protection of residents of the Nyamilima area and fight against armed groups operating in the region.
It is essential to note that the situation in the Nyamilima area is unfortunately not an isolated case in the DRC. Many other parts of the country also face security challenges and activism by armed groups. It is therefore essential that the Congolese government takes concrete measures to restore peace and stability throughout the territory.
In conclusion, it is essential to put an end to the Wazalendo militia and its illegal tax in the Nyamilima area. The people of this region deserve to live in peace, security and dignity, and it is the responsibility of the Congolese government to ensure this protection. Let us hope that concrete actions will be taken quickly to put an end to this situation and to restore state authority in this region and throughout the country.