The city of Beni, in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was the scene of an unprecedented ceremony on June 5th. Indeed, 12 Mai-Mai militiamen handed over their weapons to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), which in turn handed them over to the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery and Stabilization Program.
According to information relayed by Captain Anthony Mwalushayi, spokesperson for the Sukola 1 Grand-Nord operational sector, these 12 militiamen surrendered and were handed over to the official structure for the continuation of the disarmament process. It should be noted that these militiamen came from various armed groups in the region, in particular AFPP/AP from Kabido, UPLC from Mayani, Kyandenga and Nduma Rénové from Guidon. They were also in possession of three Ak-47 weapons.
This ceremony took place in the presence of various local and international actors, including soldiers and civilians as well as members of the United Nations. Captain Anthony also took the opportunity to remind other militiamen in the region who are reluctant to follow the same path as these 12 men, of the importance of participating in the peace process.
This news is encouraging for the Beni region, which has long been plagued by violence from armed groups. Let’s hope that this gesture of peace by the 12 Mai-Mai militiamen will encourage other groups to lay down their arms and participate in the peace process in the DRC.