Congolese Wazalendo Militants Join M23 After Uvira Falls To Rwanda-Backed Rebels

UVIRA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - DECEMBER 15: A Wazalendo militant stands by as members of the group surrender weapons to the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels on December 15, 2025 in Uvira, Democratic Republic of Congo. Fifty-two members from the coalition of Congolese and Burundian militias known as the Wazalendo joined M23 following the rebels' capture of the South Kivu city on December 10. Human Rights Watch has reported abuses perpetrated against civilians by fighters from both sides of the conflict during the offensive on Uvira, and has called for the safe passage and humanitarian assistance for those caught up in the fighting. (Photo by Daniel Buuma/Getty Images)