SOUTH KIVU — September 12, 2026 — A significant internal split has emerged among armed self-defence groups operating under the Wazalendo label in South Kivu, potentially reshaping alliances at a sensitive moment in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
According to a declaration dated September 1, 2026, signed in Sangya and circulated by Byobe Malenga, several commanders and politico-military movements announced that they were distancing themselves from the provincial Volontaires pour la Défense de la Patrie (VDP/South Kivu) coordination led by William Amuri Yakutumba.
The dissident factions announced the creation of a rival structure called the Alliance des Patriotes Congolais (APC).
The declaration contains serious allegations against Yakutumba and his organization. These claims should be treated as allegations by the breakaway factions, not established facts. According to the information provided, Yakutumba had not publicly responded to the accusations at the time of reporting.
Split Follows August Meeting in Uvira
The breakaway groups say the decision followed a strategic meeting held on August 23, 2026, in Uvira.
Participants reportedly discussed disagreements over military operations, administration, finances and the management of Wazalendo forces in South Kivu.
Figures identified with the new coalition include René Itongwa, Olivier Mtetezi Bolingo of FPDC-ML, Kako Banya of UNLC, and Justin Mbavo Moya Nakalambi of FDCC/AP.
The APC says it no longer recognizes Yakutumba’s leadership of the provincial coordination.
APC Accuses Yakutumba of Military and Administrative Failures
In its declaration, the new coalition alleges that there have been failures on several front lines and criticizes the way strategic sectors have been managed.
The dissidents specifically accuse Yakutumba of effectively placing the strategic Ngandja sector under the control of his own CNPCC movement.
They also complain of insufficient consultation between commanders and say important operational decisions have been made without adequate coordination among participating factions.
These claims have not been independently established in the material provided.
Dispute Over Government Support, Ammunition and Mining Taxes
Financial and logistical management appears to be another major source of the dispute.
The APC accuses Yakutumba of lacking transparency in the management of equipment, ammunition and financial support allegedly provided by the central government.
The breakaway coalition further alleges that mining taxes have been collected unilaterally in parts of Fizi Territory, including Misisi, Nyange, Ngalula and Mukera.
Because these are accusations made by one side in an internal armed-group dispute, independent documentation would be needed to establish responsibility and the precise handling of any government or mining-related funds.
Allegations of Illegal Roadblocks
The declaration also accuses elements associated with the CNPCC of operating unauthorized roadblocks where payments are allegedly collected.
Locations mentioned include Mitindo, Ndolo and Lubichako.
Illegal checkpoints have long been a security and economic concern in conflict-affected parts of eastern Congo because they can restrict civilian movement, increase transportation costs and provide revenue to armed actors.
However, the specific allegations contained in the APC declaration remain claims requiring independent verification.
Serious Allegations of Ethnic Incitement
Among the most sensitive allegations in the declaration are claims involving relations between communities in South Kivu.
The dissidents accuse Yakutumba of using young people to encourage hostility toward members of the Fuliru and Nyindu communities.
Such allegations are particularly serious in an area with a history of communal tensions and armed conflict.
Meca Media is reporting these claims as accusations contained in the declaration and is not presenting them as independently proven facts.
APC Also Makes Allegations About Attacks on Rival Commanders
The new coalition further alleges that Yakutumba or forces associated with him were connected to internal attacks and retaliation against rival commanders.
The document reportedly references an attack involving Lt-Gen Kibukila Waseba Trésor Mtetezi in March 2025 and another incident involving a member of Lt-Gen René Itongwa’s group in May 2026.
No evidence establishing Yakutumba’s personal responsibility for those incidents was included in the information provided to Meca Media.
Until independently investigated or established through a credible judicial process, these claims should remain characterized as allegations.
What Does the Split Mean for the Fight Against M23?
The development comes while armed groups operating under the broad Wazalendo umbrella remain involved in the security landscape surrounding the conflict with AFC/M23 in eastern Congo.
The emergence of a competing coordination could complicate command structures in South Kivu.
Armed coalitions often contain organizations with different commanders, territorial interests and political objectives. A major leadership dispute can therefore affect coordination even when the factions share a common opponent.
At this stage, however, it is too early to determine how the APC’s creation will affect military operations against AFC/M23.
Fizi and Uvira Could Be Particularly Important
The consequences of the dispute may be closely watched in Fizi and Uvira, where numerous armed factions and community-based forces operate.
If additional groups join the APC, the balance among Wazalendo factions could change further.
The new coalition has reportedly called on other armed groups in the region to join it, suggesting that its leaders are seeking to establish an alternative coordination structure rather than simply withdrawing from Yakutumba’s leadership.
Whether that effort succeeds will depend on how other commanders respond.
William Yakutumba Has Not Yet Responded
According to the information accompanying the declaration, William Amuri Yakutumba and his close associates had not publicly responded to the accusations at the time of reporting.
Their response will be important because the declaration contains allegations involving finances, military operations, taxation, ethnic tensions and violent incidents.
Meca Media will distinguish any response from Yakutumba or the CNPCC from the allegations made by the APC if further statements become available.
🇨🇩 The creation of the Alliance des Patriotes Congolais signals a potentially important realignment within the Wazalendo movement in South Kivu. Its longer-term significance will depend on how many factions join the new coalition and whether the dispute affects coordination and security in Fizi, Uvira and surrounding areas.
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✍️ Author: Mangwa
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Mangwa is the Founder of MECAMEDIA, a journalist, media professional, and political analyst committed to delivering credible news and meaningful stories from Africa and around the world. His work focuses on politics, leadership, business, community development, and current affairs, with a mission to inform, inspire, and connect communities through responsible journalism.