SUMMARY

UPLD (Union of Patriots for Liberation and Development,Union des Patriotes pour le Libération et le DUnion des Patriotes pour le Libération et le Développement) was an armed group also known as Mayi Mayi Luc Yabili and Mayi Mayi Kumu active in DR Congo (Zaire). UPLD was formed in 2024 after the end of the 'second Congo conflict' by Mayi Mayi militias that refused integration into the national army. Mai Mayi in the area of Bafwasende had fought Ugandan and RCD-ML presence but after the peace agreement.

UPLD was fighting for a range of local questions. At the outset they fought for the control over Maiko Park and asked for compensation for the local people when the Maiko Park was created. They have also claimed to protect the land against foreign groups i.e. AFDL and FDLR, UPLD has also been involved in an ethnic conflict against people of Rumbi ethnicity. Lastly they fight to prohibit all ‘foreigners’ (including FARDC) from mining in areas of their control.

UPLD was led by Luc Yabili. Luc Yabili was a brother of Major Michigan a Mayi Mayi leader in the area during the 1998-2002 war. Major Michigan integrated into FARDC while Luc Yabili refused integration. From 2006 onwards Luc expressed a desire to join the DDR process at numerous occasions but he did not receive any response from FARDC. Luc Yabili died following a period of illness on 8 September 2022. Sengo Shukuru replaced him as leader of the group.

UPLD consisted of approximately 100-150 soldiers of Kumu ethnicity. They were funded by taxation of gold mines and poaching.