Two Wazalendo Killed, Eight Arrested in Clashes with Army in Shabunda

Shabunda Centre, Shabunda March 30, 2026 - At least two Wazalendo fighters were killed and eight others arrested on Sunday, March 29, during clashes in Shabunda Centre in Shabunda Territory in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, after an attempted disarmament operation by the armed forces. The confrontation broke out in the morning when government troops intervened against an armed group linked to the Sisawa faction, accused of extorting and intimidating civilians in the area. An exchange of fire followed during the operation. The group targeted was associated with the network led by Amisi Sisawa, also known as “Muswahili,” who had been accused of maintaining an unauthorized armed structure operating under the Wazalendo label. Local civil society figures reported that the intervention resulted in the deaths of two armed men on the spot, while their commander and eight other members were captured. Military authorities stated that the operation was conducted against a criminal group presenting itself as part of the Wazalendo movement and accused of multiple abuses against civilians, including looting, extortion, and forced labor in mining zones. It was further reported that the same group had previously attacked a provincial delegation led by the South Kivu justice authorities during an earlier incident in Shabunda, aimed at obstructing judicial proceedings. The arrested individuals are expected to face legal proceedings as investigations continue into the activities of the armed group operating in the region.