[1] APCLS is traditionally active in Masisi Territory, North Kivu and is considered one of the largest mai-mai (local or ethnic militia) groups operating in the province.
Its ideology is founded on opposition to the Tutsi ethnic groups who are believed to threaten the integrity of the Congolese state and to be supported, in particular, by Rwanda.
[2] The militia counts around 1,500 men and is funded by the profits from artisanal mining of gold and cassiterite, as well through the support of wealthy members of the Hunde ethnic group.
Sporadic fighting between government forces, backed by the United Nations MONUSCO peacekeeping mission, and APCLS continued for several years.
[3] In August 2016, the APCLS, together with another militia, the Mai-Mai Nyatura, a Hutu group active in the same region, announced that they would sign a peace agreement with the central government.