The confrontation occurred in the Lac-vert sector near Goma, as confirmed by Dedesi Mitima, a local authority, during a discussion with Radio Okapi.

Following the skirmish, it was disclosed by Mitima on February 19 that the clash also claimed the lives of two Wazalendo members.

Despite the casualties, the underlying causes of the conflict remain shrouded in mystery. Mitima remarked, "We were informed of the tragic loss of five individuals, including two from Wazalendo and three FARDC soldiers. The motivation behind their confrontation is still uncertain."

The incident unfolds against the backdrop of the DRC government’s recent efforts to reform its military structure, which includes integrating Wazalendo forces into its reserve units.

Wazalendo, a conglomerate of various armed factions including groups identified as adversaries by the United Nations like the FDLR, faces challenges in collaboration due to persistent objectionable conduct among its ranks.

Wazalendo, long established in the volatile eastern regions of the DRC, is frequently implicated in severe human rights abuses such as ethnic slaughters, pillaging, and acts of sexual violence. This coalition encompasses notorious groups like the Nyatura and Mai Mai.

The latest clash underscores the ongoing security dilemma in the DRC, especially in the east, where the proliferation of armed factions poses a continual threat to the region’s peace and stability.