The curfew decreed on May 13 in Kwango province was lifted after several weeks of intensive security measures. Local authorities announced that the curfew had been lifted due to the lull observed in most parts of the province. This measure was a response to the proliferation of Mobondo militias which caused numerous victims in the region.
Provincial government spokesman Adelar Nkisi said the end of the curfew was proof of the effectiveness of the measures taken to restore calm in the province. Although he did not say whether any arrests were made, he said anyone who sought to disrupt order backed down.
However, tensions remain high in the PopoKabaka region, where militiamen continue to recruit young people and bother the population, according to local sources. Civil society organizations have reported at least 33 deaths since May due to militia incursions.
The provincial government has pledged to take more drastic measures to restore security in the region. These measures should be announced in the coming days.
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