Rival Wazalendo Groups Clash Over Control of Katatwa-Karete Axis

February 13, 2026 - Security remains precarious along the Katatwa-Otobora-Karete axis, in the Ibiro area of the Bakano group, Walikale territory, North Kivu, where two Wazalendo factions are fighting for control of this strategic stretch of National Route 3. The rival groups include the Mai-Mai Kifuafua, led by Shukuru Bulenda, and Raia Mutomboki, under the command of Kalumende. Local sources report that these rivalries have persisted for about two months, creating a constant threat of armed clashes as both sides assert ownership of the road. A key consequence of this dispute is the proliferation of illegal roadblocks. Travelers along the route are forced to pay fixed sums at multiple checkpoints, often under threat of violence or reprisals. “We are suffering because of the selfish interests of those in charge of these armed groups. You pay here, then a few meters further on, you pay again to the other side. It’s a real ordeal,” testified one traveler. Reports also indicate cases of torture and ill-treatment for those unable to pay the imposed taxes. Residents are further burdened by the requirement to feed fighters daily, intensifying the hardship for a population already weakened by chronic insecurity. Many families have begun fleeing their villages to escape this pressure, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the area. “Several people are starting to leave the area. It’s better to live on the move than to remain in this form of slavery,” said a resident of Ibiro. Civil society in Walikale has condemned the actions of these armed groups and called on military authorities to intervene urgently to protect civilians and prevent the situation from escalating into deadly clashes. The Katatwa-Karete axis, part of National Route 3, is a crucial corridor for trade between Hombo and Walikale, making it a highly coveted area for armed groups seeking to finance their operations through illegal taxation. The ongoing struggle has effectively turned this key economic route into a lawless zone, severely impacting the local population.