SUMMARY
The non-state conflict between (NDC-R) under the leadership of Guidon Shimiray Mwisa and the temporary coalition between FPP-AP and NDC-R-GBS emerged in the context of violent fragmentation and competition for territory and mineral wealth in North Kivu’s Walikale and southern Lubero territories. After the 2020 split of the powerful NDC-R militia, intense struggles broke out over the control of lucrative artisanal mining zones. Guidon retained the larger and better-equipped faction, but faced opposition from his former ally Gilbert Bwira Shuo, who joined forces with Kabido’s FPP/AP. These groups formed a temporary coalition to resist Guidon's efforts to reassert control over contested areas rich in natural resources and strategic trade routes. The deteriorating relationship between the factions was also shaped by local ethnic dynamics and shifting alliances among community-based militias in the wake of Congolese army operations aiming at dislodging armed groups from the area.
Control over natural resources, rather than ideological aims, was the primary driver of the conflict between FPP-AP, NDC-R-GBS and NDC-R. Guidon’s group, NDC-R, was particularly intent on reasserting authority over his former comrades and reclaiming lost territory. FPP/AP and NDC-R-GBS, sought to expel Guidon’s forces from their areas of operation, accusing him of atrocities and predation.
The conflict was marked by repeated ambushes, raids, and armed clashes, particularly in and around villages like Munsanga, Mpombi, Kalonge, and Bishiki. The fighting was intense and deadly, with both sides using light and heavy weaponry in direct confrontations. NDC-R often initiated the attacks, and the groups area of control expanded but FPP-AP and NDC-R-GBS also launched retaliatory strikes, and successfully expelled of Guidon’s forces from several villages.
The violence remained localized in Walikale territory within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Clashes primarily occurred in the Bashali and Wanianga chieftaincies, particularly in villages like Kalonge, Munsanga, Mpombi, and Bishiki.
The conflict ended when a common enemy, M23, reappeared The three groups were among the factions that met in Pinga, a town in the Nord Kivu province in May 2022. There they signed an agreement not to fight one another and formed a coalition called Alliance des résistants de la patrie (ARP), later renamed VDP, to combat M23 alongside the [government of DR Congo].
The conflict between FPP-AP and NDC-R-GBS and NDC-Rfirst became active in 2021. NDC-R attacked FPP-AP and NDC-R-GBS on 19 April 2021 in Munsanga village in Walikale territory. Eleven people were killed in the attack, making the conflict pass the 25 fatalities threshold.
