TRIAL International hailed this event as important in finally addressing the violations of human rights during the rebellion. In August 2021, Kasaians gathered in Kinshasa for a requiem to honor those who had died during the Kamwina Nsapu rebellion. The organizers demanded justice for those who had been hurt or killed by the government forces and allied militias. Rebel forces The Kamwina Nsapu rebels were only loosely connected and operated in various autonomous factions. They lacked an "identifiable leader" since Kamwina Nsapu's death, but individual factions were known to have leaders such as "General" Gaylord Tshimbala and opposition politicians were rumoured to support the uprising. The rebels were united in their opposition against the government and had adopted red as unifying colour of their uprising. Kamwina Nsapu fighters thus usually identified themselves by wearing red headbands or armbands. Although relatively poorly armed, with most of their weaponry looted or stolen from the Congolese security forces, the rebels were strongly motivated by their belief in various forms of witchcraft: Many Kamwina Nsapu rebels believed in gaining magical protection from harm by wearing fetishes, specific leaves, and protective amulets. Elements of the Kamwina Nsapu militia were described as "cultlike" due to their beliefs. For example, recruits were reportedly forced to walk through fire and told that by undergoing the initiation ritual, they would be resurrected if they were killed in battle. Some fighters also believed that wooden weapons can be transformed into functioning guns by magical rituals. The militia had also been noted for its extensive recruitment of child soldiers. Experts considered it likely that most of the rebels were children. Child soldiers were promised jobs and money and were often given drugs and alcohol in order to motivate them to fight. As a result of its splintered nature, rebellion lacked clear goals. Common demands by members of the militia were, however, the return of and the proper burial of their slain leader, which the government conceded in March or April 2017, reparations for the chief's family, the restoration of damaged hospitals and schools by the central authorities, "social and economic development of the region" and the release of imprisoned rebels as well as civilians. Since February 2017, a purported spokesman of the group had also demanded the implementation of the agreement between Kabila and the opposition after the December 2016 Congolese protests. Atrocities Ethnic cleansing The conflict evolved from a rebellion