Conflict Erupts Between Wazalendo and FARDC Leadership

On January 7, 2026, tensions surfaced between the Wazalendo coalition, aligned with the Congolese government, and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s military leadership. According to Wazalendo spokesperson Habyarimana Mbitsemunda, also known as Jules Mulumba, a serious conspiracy within the FARDC affected battlefield operations and internal coordination. Mulumba stated that the arrest of Gen. Maj. Janvier Mayanga wa Gishuba, Deputy Commander of the DRC’s Rescue Forces, was the result of a conspiracy orchestrated by Lt. Gen. Padiri Bulenda, the FARDC Commander-in-Chief. He explained that Gen. Mayanga opposed the transfer of $8 million intended for Wazalendo from the Ministry of Defense and Finance. The Wazalendo leadership also criticized Lt. Gen. Padiri Bulenda for sending messages attacking their coalition, which Mulumba described as a smear campaign against these armed groups. Mulumba further accused Gen. Fall Sikabwe of contributing to the capture of Goma by AFC/M23 forces on January 27, 2025, alleging that he facilitated joint operations between South African, Burundian, and Wazalendo forces. Other FARDC officers were also blamed for military failures. Mulumba cited Lt. Gen. Masunzu Pacifique and Brig. Gen. Olivier Gasita, both from South Kivu, as responsible for operational missteps, questioning why they remain in active positions. In Kinshasa, several senior officers were arrested over alleged plots against President Félix Tshisekedi, including Gen. Dieudonné Mutupeke Kiamata, Gen. Marcel Mbangu Mashita, Gen. Franck Ntumba (formerly in charge of military operations at the presidential palace), and Gen. Christian Tshiwewe Songesha, Chief of Army Staff. Wazalendo claims that Gen. Ntumba and Gen. Tshiwewe were involved in planning a coup, while Mutupeke and Mbangu face accusations of crimes they did not commit. This dispute highlights deep fractures within the Congolese military and its allied forces, revealing mistrust and infighting that continue to undermine security operations in eastern DRC.