Wazalendo Groups Clash Over Batakirwa Control

WALIKALE, February 13, 2026 - Armed groups of the Wazalendo Alliance, backed by the Democratic Republic of Congo government, are clashing for control of the Batakirwa area in the Bafuna group, Walikale Territory. The confrontation pits the NDC-R, led by Guidon Shimiray Mwissa, against Uhuru-RDC, commanded by Mashite Kashira. On February 11, 2026, Mashite deployed fighters to three mineral-rich villages in Batakirwa, warning the NDC-R that any attempt to enter would trigger fighting. Local leader Kibaki reported that Uhuru-RDC fighters have been intimidating civilians, accusing them of supporting the NDC-R, forcing him to flee to Walikale town. He told Actualite newspaper: “The population is in great danger. The armed groups are terrorizing civilians, associating them with their enemies.” Kibaki urged the DRC government to take action against these armed groups, which are already engaged against the AFC/M23 alliance, warning that failure to intervene could escalate the conflict.