Fatshimetrie: Kahwa Panga Mandro, between tradition and militia
In the province of Ituri, in the heart of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a legal case is shaking the community. Kahwa Panga Mandro, a respected customary chief but former controversial militia leader, is currently at the center of legal proceedings for treason and participation in an insurrectional movement. The military justice system has opened an investigation into his alleged links with the armed group “Zaire” following recent events that have rekindled tensions in the region.
The accusation concerns allegations that Kahwa Panga Mandro actively supported the armed group “Zaire”, particularly after a deadly attack in the localities of Tchomia, Kasenyi and Sabé. The military authorities attributed this attack to members of the militia, resulting in the death of an officer of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). The discovery of a weapons cache near the Nyamusasi IDP site in Tchomia has also reinforced suspicions about Kahwa Panga Mandro.
Investigations conducted by the military prosecutor’s office led to the arrest of two individuals linked to the armed group “Zaire”, who allegedly claimed that the traditional chief was involved in their activities. These revelations have sown doubt in the community, marking a new chapter in the turbulent history of Kahwa Panga Mandro.
Summoned to appear before the Ituri Higher Prosecutor’s Office, Kahwa Panga Mandro must answer the charges against him. As an influential figure on both the traditional and military levels, his situation raises complex questions about the duality of his role in the region. A former convict in 2006 for similar acts, the traditional chief raises questions about his current loyalty and affiliations.
The Kahwa Panga Mandro case highlights the persistent tensions between tradition and militia in a region marked by armed conflict and power struggles. Tribal issues intertwine with political rivalries, further complicating the already tumultuous landscape of Ituri. The next steps in the judicial process will undoubtedly bring new revelations about this case and its actors, highlighting the challenges faced by local communities in their quest for peace and justice.