News in the DRC: more than 350 villages taken back from the rebels in the province of Ituri
According to the spokesman for military operations in Ituri and the military governor, more than 350 villages that were previously controlled by the rebels came under the control of the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) during the two years of the state of siege in Ituri province. The recovered areas include the territories of Djugu, Irumu, Mambasa and Mahagi.
In addition, the Congolese army has also neutralized more than 300 ADF and allied terrorists, in addition to the 80 who surrendered and the 40 others arrested, tried and sentenced by the courts.
The army has also succeeded in stabilizing large towns that were once considered the epicenter of violence and occupied by armed groups before the state of siege. Many armed groups who responded to the call of the President of the Republic have already surrendered to the army.
Although some civil society actors and politicians have deplored the ineffectiveness of this special security measure, the Congolese army is pleased with the results of its military operations.
The neutralization of these armed groups and the recovery of these areas represents a major step forward for security in the region, although challenges remain to be met in terms of security and lasting peace in the DRC.