On March 16, 2026, the Congolese army reported the arrest of two leaders from local armed groups known as Wazalendo in Walikale, located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These leaders, Kirikicho Mirimba from the Coalition of Patriots in Congo (Copaco) and Musubao Kalimba, commonly known as 'Kasilasi', have been involved in supporting the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) against the rebellion by AFC/M23. The Wazalendo fighters operate in a volatile environment, where they often assist government forces on various fronts, yet they are also criticized for committing acts of violence and theft against local civilian populations.

The military's irritation towards the ongoing conflicts involving these groups highlights the complexities of the security situation in eastern DRC. While the Wazalendo are intended to bolster the FARDC's efforts against insurgents, their involvement sometimes leads to intra-group violence, which further complicates peacekeeping efforts in the region. Their dual role of supporting the government while also being accused of atrocities against civilians raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of military strategies in curbing violence and restoring order in the area.

The arrests of Mirimba and Kalimba may indicate a turning point in how the Congolese military is addressing issues of accountability among allied militia groups. As both national and international observers monitor the situation closely, the implications of these arrests could set a precedent for the treatment of militia leaders and potentially alter the dynamics of local and national politics in the DRC, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and the quest for lasting peace in the region.