- Title: Couple fights together in Congo militia as war deepens in east
- Date: 27th February 2026
- Summary: FIZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (RECENT-JANUARY 30, 2026) (REUTERS) FEET AND WEAPON OF WAZALENDO MILITIA MEMBERS DURING PARADE WAZALENDO MILITIA MEMBERS DURING PARADE COMMANDER DJEMS CHUMVI WITH HIS WAZALENDO FIGHTERS DURING PARADE COMMANDER CHUMVI AMONGST WAZALENDO FIGHTERS COMMANDER CHUMVI WITH HIS WAZALENDO FIGHTERS DURING PARADE WAZALENDO FIGHTER HOLDING WEAPON (SOU
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- Keywords: Africa Border Central DRC Dispute International Minerals Politics Relations Rwanda ammunition congo fizi gun m23 mine peace deal security
- Location: FIZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
- City: FIZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
- Country: Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- Topics: Africa,Conflicts/War/Peace
- Reuters ID: LVA001624817022026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A Wazalendo militia commander and his wife patrol side by side with rifles in eastern Congo’s conflict-hit Fizi territory, their partnership reflecting how years of fighting have blurred the boundary between family life and the battlefield.
The Wazalendo are loosely organised pro-government militias fighting alongside the Congolese army against M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The resurgence of M23 since 2021 has reignited one of Africa’s longest conflicts and strained relations between Kinshasa and neighbouring Rwanda. Congo, the United Nations and Western powers say Rwanda has backed the Tutsi-led rebel group — an accusation Kigali denies, saying its forces act in self-defence against hostile militias operating near its border. Authorities in Congo portray the Wazalendo as community defence forces helping resist rebel advances, but rights organisations say some factions have been implicated in abuses against civilians.
Commander Djems Chumvi ya Congo, who says he has spent 15 years in the bush, led his fighters in a parade in the Fizi-Burembo sector before moving through nearby villages. “I have several soldiers who have lost their lives in this war,” he said, accusing Rwanda of backing rebels and adding that his forces were active on several front lines. “In this area, the war never ends. Every day, we fight.”
Walking with other armed members of the group, his wife Nabintu Francine said she does not remain behind when her husband deploys. “When my husband goes to the front line, I always feel at ease since I am also one of these soldiers,” she said. “If it requires me to take up arms, I do it too and I escort him.” She urged women in eastern Congo to join the fight, saying, “We are fighting for the country,” as children watched the fighters pass through Ekengya-Burembo — a sign of how deeply the conflict shapes daily life in the region.
(Production: Gradel Muyisa, Ngouda Dione) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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