The news in the DRC is marked by the arrest of 109 Mobondo militiamen on the Congo River axis who are being prosecuted for looting, arson, participation in an insurrectionary movement and terrorism. These militiamen operated on the river axis between the Nkana, Mambutuka, Ibali and Ngambe villages. At least 12 soldiers, including 4 senior officers, were also arrested for skidding. the Congolese army has recovered several hunting and war weapons.
According to the commander of the 11th military region in charge of operations, General Bruno Mandevu, peace has been restored in this region of the country. “No boat was sailing on the Congo River from Mambutuka to Kwamouth. On the orders of the President of the Republic, we had to restore the authority of the State. The army reopened traffic and arrested the militiamen, even those who crossed the shore of Congo Brazzaville, who killed, they were arrested. The soldiers who are here are arrested for violating the law. This was in the period between September and November 2022. Instead of securing the population, they made it insecure. They were dispatched to Ibali and Kinzungulu, instead of doing their job well, some killed, others stole the property of the population. They were discovered when the president gave the order that we carry out operations on the river. To fight against impunity, we arrested them,” he said.
These events come after a series of attacks carried out by Mobondo militiamen in the Bandundu region, which caused the death of several people and made movement around the Congo River impossible. Civil society had denounced the growing insecurity in the region, calling for the reaction of the security forces.
In recent months, the security situation in the DRC has experienced violent episodes, particularly in the province of North Kivu, where the rebel group M23 is suspected of carrying out regular attacks supported by the Rwandan army. At the same time, China is strengthening its economic relationship with the DRC through a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at developing the African economy. Nevertheless, the controversy around the added value premium between the inter-union of national financial authorities and the Ministry of Finance persists.
In this complex environment, President Felix Tshisekedi faces difficult choices to ensure long-term security and stability in the country.