Eastern DRC women join Wazalendo militias amid sexual violence surge

In eastern DRC, women are increasingly taking up arms with pro-government Wazalendo fighters in response to rampant sexual violence by armed groups. This marks a notable shift in local defense dynamics, as women transition from victims to active combatants. The development underscores the deteriorating security situation and the failure of state protection, potentially altering the conflict's social fabric and complicating peace efforts.