The Mobondo militiamen continue to sow terror in the province of Mai-Ndombe, by taking motorcycle taxi drivers hostage. According to information provided by ACTUALITE.CD, at least 13 people were taken hostage on Tuesday evening on the Kwamouth-Masiambio road axis.
Martin Suta, president of the local civil society, testified to the situation, affirming that the militiamen entrenched themselves towards the road axis after the deployment of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in Mikanda Ya kati. The soldiers tried to surprise the attackers in the village, but the latter escaped and captured 13 motorcycle taxi drivers with their motorcycles.
Although 10 of the hostages have been freed, three people still remain in the hands of the attackers. This situation highlights the continuing insecurity in the region, where Mobondo militiamen still occupy several villages.
The situation in the territory of Kwamouth is so worrying that the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) plans to launch the voter identification and registration operation. Peter Kazadi, Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior, said measures are being taken to ensure the safety of CENI agents and citizens during this operation.
However, the population of the city of Kwamouth does not accept this persistent insecurity and has planned to demonstrate peacefully to denounce the situation. The president of civil society pointed out that the attackers took control of the majority of the territory, leaving only a third under the territorial administration.
This violence and insecurity is not new to the region. The Mobondo militia incursions began a year ago and have since caused the death of more than 350 people, generating communal conflict between the Teke and the Yaka. The consequences of this conflict are felt throughout the Bateke plateau, also affecting the commune of Maluku in Kinshasa, part of Bagata in the province of Kwilu and the province of Kwango.
This alarming situation highlights the need to take strong measures to restore peace and security in the region. The authorities must redouble their efforts to fight against the Mobondo militiamen and protect the citizens who live in constant fear. The registration of voters can only be done in optimal conditions when security is restored. The population can no longer live in fear and deserves to be protected by State security forces