Title: Successful operation by the Armed Forces of the DRC: More than 20 Mobondo militiamen arrested in Kwamouth
Introduction
In a search operation carried out by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), more than 20 Mobondo militiamen were arrested near the Ngambomi village. These arrests are the result of the army’s ongoing efforts to restore security in the Maï-Ndombe region, where attacks by this militia have sowed chaos and insecurity. Those captured, including a pregnant woman and young people, will soon be transferred to the city of Kwamouth to be brought to justice. This operation demonstrates the FARDC’s commitment to eliminating insecurity and restoring peace in the region.
The testimony of local civil society
Kwamouth civil society congratulates the work accomplished by the FARDC and encourages them to continue their efforts to definitively eradicate the presence of militiamen in the region’s forests. Martin Suta, president of Kwamouth civil society, said: “We encourage the FARDC for all they have done. But we encourage them to do more, because the militiamen are still in the forests. “The army continues to make efforts to dislodge all the militiamen who are in the forests of Kwamouth territory. We also demand that justice be done to eliminate this phenomenon of militiamen.”
The consequences of violence on the population
The violence perpetrated by Mobondo militiamen had a devastating impact on the population of Kwamouth. The city has been the scene of numerous clashes since June 2022, seriously disrupting the daily life of residents. Agricultural activities have been seriously affected, leading to a surge in food prices and scarcity of agricultural products. The economic situation in the region has deteriorated, accentuating the difficulties already present.
Conclusion
The arrest of more than 20 Mobondo militiamen by the DRC Armed Forces is an important step in the fight against insecurity in the Kwamouth region. This demonstrates the FARDC’s commitment to restoring peace and ensuring the security of local populations. However, there is still work to be done to completely eliminate the militia presence in the region. Civil society and the population support the army’s efforts and call for justice to be done to put an end to this militia phenomenon. By working together, security and stability can be restored to the Kwamouth region.