Young women rebels in DR Congo bravely confront M23 on the front line: A powerful display of courage

Female fighters in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have joined various armed groups to combat the M23 rebels in the region. Militias like the Wazalendo, made up of former soldiers and local self-defence forces, are fighting to protect their communities from M23 attacks. The conflict has displaced 1.7 million people in eastern DRC, with allegations that Rwanda and Uganda are backing the rebels. In response, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has called on young people to join the Armed Forces of the DRC to combat the insurgency. A government decree has legalized the presence of militias within the national army to unite against M23. Women like Marie Byamwungu and Vivienne Ntumba have joined armed groups, risking their lives to fight against the rebels. Byamwungu fled her village with her family during heavy fighting, eventually joining the Union of Forces for the Patriotic Defence of Congo, while Ntumba joined the Alliance of Patriots for a Free and Sovereign Congo. Both women have taken on combat roles and responsibilities within their respective groups, while facing the challenges of living in makeshift camps and being separated from their families. General Mbokani Kimanuka, founder of UFPDC, and General Janvier Karairi, founder of APCLS, believe that their militias are protecting the people of the region with the support of local communities. These women and their fellow fighters are on the front lines, risking their lives to defend their homeland against the M23 rebels in the DRC.

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