SUMMARY

NDC-R was one of the largest and territoriality dominant rebel groups in DR Congo (Zaire) during the late 2010s and into 2020. By mid-2020, the group controlled large swathes of Walikale, Masisi, and Lubero territories in Nord Kivu province. Originally formed in 2014 after splitting from the broader NDC led by Cheka, NDC-R under the leadership of Shimiray Mwissa Guidon consolidated its power by integrating various smaller militias in the region. The group also relied on support from the Congolese army (FARDC). The group was known for imposing its authority over civilians, operating parallel tax structures, controlling artisanal mining zones (particularly for gold, tin, and coltan), and employing a mix of coercion and cooptation to maintain territorial dominance.

However, in mid-2020 internal fractures began to emerge within the NDC-R leadership. The tension among the leadership emerged as the group started to loose support from FARDC, weekening the group. A break in the payment of wages and an impression of Guidon distributing resources unequally among commanders exacerbated the tension. On 8 July 2020 Gilbert Bwira Shuo, then second in command NDC-R, publicly declared a coup within the movement and claimed to have removed Shimiray Guidon from leadership. He accused Guidon of "deviant behavior" and criticized him for human rights abuses. Bwira also announced his intention to disarm and cooperate with the Congolese state. This resulted in the fragmentation of the NDC-R in two hostile factions: NDC-R led buy Guidon and NDC-R-GBS led by Gilbert Bwira Shuo. Fighting between the factions erupted immediately, beginning in Pinga (Walikale territory), a strategic hub for the group, and soon spread to surrounding areas. The NDC-R-GBS faction received direct support from the Congolese army (FARDC)](/#/actor/89) weakening Guidon’s camp.

The conflict between NDC-R and NDC-R-GBS first became active in 2020. On 11 July 2020 NDC-R and NDC-R-GBS clashed in Mutongo village in Walikale territory. Twelve people were killed in the attack making the conflict pass the 25 fatalities threshold.