Following a deadly explosion in Bukavu, the leader of the militant group Wazalendo issued a chilling audio message in Kiswahili, taking responsibility for the attack and warning of further violence. The Wazalendo, a pro-government militia backed by President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration, have been engaged in a brutal campaign against perceived enemies in eastern Congo.
In the message, delivered in Kiswahili with force and conviction, the group’s leader taunts those affected, justifies civilian casualties as collateral damage, and vows to continue targeting individuals and infrastructure linked to opposition forces. His rhetoric is laced with threats, boasting of the group’s presence and reach in Bukavu and beyond.
This transcribed audio, which is now circulating widely on WhatsApp groups, offers a rare insight into the mindset of Wazalendo’s leadership and the militia’s strategic objectives. It highlights the intensifying conflict in South Kivu, where armed groups continue to battle for dominance, often with devastating consequences for civilians.
Here below are the excerpts:
I greet all of you, my brothers and sisters, at this moment. I speak with force and emphasis regarding the information we have received. First, Alhamdulillah, we are grateful for what is happening in Bukavu. At this moment, as patriots, we acknowledge the situation.
News has spread widely, and everyone is speaking their own version, interpreting the situation differently based on their understanding. But listen carefully, my brothers. Many will be confused and speak out, but remain calm and composed.
This should not come as a surprise to you—you were warned. You were warned because you are careless residents, and those who had ears listened and stayed away. You were instructed and warned. The information began circulating two days before the incident happened, but you thought you were untouchable and invincible. You always say nothing will happen—now you have seen it for yourselves.
I know this is a serious warning for you, and you will never dare to do such a thing again. You will never repeat this mistake. Every time we tell you that the patriots of North Kivu are not the same as those of South Kivu, you ignore it.
The patriots of North Kivu are not the patriots of South Kivu. When we, the patriots of South Kivu, speak, we must show action. We must demonstrate through clear actions, and yet you have not seen anything yet.
We told you we were in Bukavu, but you did not believe us. And now, we are speaking loudly and with full force. Those like Corneille Nangaa and all those who are still alive—we will hunt them down, whether they try to escape by air or underground.
Their vehicles, the ships they board—we will blow them up. Any vehicle or ship they use to move around in Bukavu will be destroyed.
Right now, South Kivu is like Libya. Right now, South Kivu is like Gaza. If it must be bad, let it be bad. We are not speaking with politeness or fear.
To those who are questioning and asking, “Who did this? Why are you bombing crowds of people?”—we did not bomb a crowd of people.
In war, civilians die, just as they died in Goma. Others continue to die in Bukavu, being killed without any mercy.
Anyone who stubbornly refuses to listen must die. If anyone says that one of my relatives was among those who died, I say, “Alhamdulillah, Amina.” Let them die and go to their final place, whether it is heaven or hell—Inshallah, it does not matter. Let them go. This is what happens when you act recklessly, pretend to be knowledgeable, and think you have power.
You know who the enemies of Congo are, yet you celebrate them. Then, after celebrating them, they turn around and butcher you in broad daylight, raping you at night. And yet, you continue to cheer them on.
That is sheer foolishness. Let them die. But one thing you must understand is this—many are saying that the youth of Bukavu did this. There is no such thing as “the youth of Bukavu” in this matter. The youth of Bukavu are not soldiers, and they have nothing to do with it. Those who gave the warning were not the youth of Bukavu. We warned them not to go there because something bad was going to happen.
You thought the battle was in Nyangezi and Kamanyola, but we told you we were there. And the ones who carried out this action were us—the patriots. That is why we are bringing this situation to its conclusion.
You still see bodies lying on the streets and ask, “Did they really die?” Of course, when bombs are dropped, people die. It was not just a single bullet fired—it was multiple bombs. And when a bomb explodes, it spreads destruction everywhere. The shockwaves and shrapnel cause extensive damage.
That is why you are seeing so many casualties. Those who refused to listen are the ones you see dead.
But I don’t think you’ve seen the footage from the main stage. We did not target civilians—we targeted terrorists.
And every time a terrorist dies, people around them also perish.
You haven’t seen the full extent of the destruction yet. But nothing is hidden.
We know they have been eliminated. Let them now move on—go to Uvira, head to Mwenga, and continue their journey.
If you want to kill a snake, don’t strike its tail—hit its head, and the snake will be finished.
You saw what happened to Makanika in Minembwe. We did not aim for the tail. When we realized that the tail was giving the snake too much time, we had to go for the head.
And now, in Bukavu, we have struck the head. You will hear more information soon.
No one should hide the truth from you.
We are still here in Bukavu, and we will continue taking action. The vehicles they are using—we will blow them up with rockets. Even if they keep moving, we will target them with grenades inside their vehicles. We are not afraid—this is South Kivu.
A Christian city. We are guided by Moses.
Spread this audio everywhere. I don’t need to mention my name—just share it widely. I speak with certainty and without fear, as a true patriot.
We are in Bukavu, and we are everywhere. Where do you think you’re going via Kavumu?
We are in the hills, and from here, we can see everything. Bukavu is not like Goma, full of valleys. We have many hidden corners.
If you are real men, move around and look for us. But be prepared—we have not yet unleashed our full firepower. What you have seen so far is just a taste.
Let them be cautious and stay alert. The real men are here.
That is all from me. I am very happy in my heart. And to all those who share my happiness, say “Amina.”