SUMMARY

VDP (Volontaires pour la Défense de la Patrie) (popularly known as Wazalendo) emerged as an actor engaged in one-sided violence in the context of a recurring armed conflict in the Nord Kivu province located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire) bordering Rwanda and Uganda.

Ethnic tensions in Nord Kivu have deep historical roots, shaped significantly during and after Belgian colonial rule. The area is home to diverse ethnic groups including the Hunde, Nande, Nyanga, Tembo, Kano, Twa, Pere, and the Banyarwanda (Hutu and Tutsi). During the colonial era, Belgian authorities promoted mass migration of Rwandan Hutu and Tutsi laborers into Congo, which significantly altered the demographic landscape. These migrants were often denied land rights and labeled as "foreigners" in contrast to "autochthonous" (indigenous) groups who retained customary claims. This divide was institutionalized under Belgian rule and continued post-independence, leading to cycles of resentment, economic competition, and violence.

After independence, shifting policies around citizenship and land rights further exacerbated these divisions. Under Mobutu’s Zairianization policies in the 1970s, nationalized plantations were redistributed, often benefiting elites from Hutu and Tutsi backgrounds through patronage. This perceived favoritism inflamed tensions with indigenous groups, who increasingly saw the Banyarwanda as privileged outsiders. These dynamics have repeatedly fueled violent conflict, including the formation of various armed groups.

VDP originated as a loosely affiliated alliance of local armed actors, formed primarily to counter the resurgence of the M23 rebel group and broader Rwandan influence in the region. While the alliance included members of several ethnic communities, Hutu groups played a prominent role within its ranks. As the conflict with M23 intensified, the VDP became more active and began targeting civilians suspected of collaborating with or supporting M23 rebels.

VDP presented itself as a coalition of local resistance forces. The group described its actions as defensive, aimed at protecting Congolese sovereignty from foreign-backed insurgents. They have repeatedly accused civilians of supporting and/or spying for M23, framing these individuals as legitimate targets. Such accusations have been used to justify brutal attacks on civilians, particularly in areas perceived as sympathetic to the Tutsi-led M23/AFC movement.

The group’s one-sided violence has included killings, burnings, shootings, and widespread looting. Civilians have been attacked in their homes, fields, and places of worship, including incidents where victims were burned alive or executed during village raids. Violence has often occurred in parallel with looting operations following clashes with M23. VDP has also been accused of banditry and killing civilians during their time off in the city of Goma. VDP fighters often targeted communities based on allegations of collaboration with M23, leading to collective punishment of entire villages. Tutsi civilians were especially affected.

While most violence was concentrated in Nord and Sud Kivu, incidents involving VDP/Wazalendo elements have also been reported in surrounding provinces, including Maniema, Ituri, and Tanganyika.

VDP first became active as a one-sided actor in the UCDP data in 2023, when the one-sided violence resulted in over 25 civilian deaths. The threshold was reached in on 3 May 2023 when [VDP attacked a displacement camp in Kizimba.