General Strike Paralyzes Shabunda as Residents Demand End to Insecurity and Wazalendo

Shabunda, South Kivu January 29, 2026 - The town of Shabunda has been paralyzed since the beginning of the week by a general strike, as residents protest rising insecurity, alleged abuses by the “wazalendo”, and demand the withdrawal of these armed groups from the town. The strike, launched by civil society on Tuesday, January 27, follows a series of incidents attributed to certain wazalendo elements. Since Monday, schools, markets, and most commercial activities have been shut down, while vehicle traffic has come to a standstill. “Shops, stores, markets… are not operating. Traffic is suspended,” said a local resident. Another added, “Schools have been closed for four days, which is seriously disrupting classes, especially during first-session exams for secondary students.” According to Isaac Rashidi, president of Shabunda territory’s civil society, the “ghost town” operation was declared in response to repeated acts of insecurity. He cited the proliferation of illegal roadblocks, extortion of money from civilians, and repeated killings allegedly committed by some wazalendo fighters. Mr. Rashidi further reported that an altercation last Friday between wazalendo and residents left four people dead, including three civilians, and several others wounded. “We are asking the security council and the provincial government to order all wazalendo in the central zone to go to the front lines,” he said. “Only the FARDC, the police, and the official security services should remain in Shabunda.” Civil society has also called on officials of the Armed Reserve for Defense (RAD) to restore order in the management and deployment of wazalendo in this part of South Kivu.