DRC government reports pacification of 72 villages in militia operations

The Democratic Republic of the Congo government has reported progress in pacifying regions previously occupied by Mobondo militias, including Kwango, Maï-Ndombe, and the outskirts of Kinshasa. During a press briefing in Kinshasa, Minister Delegate for Defense, Éliezer Ntambwe, announced that 72 villages have been pacified and 146 weapons have been recovered.

As part of a social reintegration effort, 596 former militia members have been sent to Kanyama Kasese in Haut-Lomami province to undergo training aimed at facilitating their return to community life. Ntambwe emphasized that the mission is focused on restoring state authority and encouraging combatants to surrender rather than pursuing mass imprisonment.

Regarding the root causes of the violence, Ntambwe stated that the unrest is primarily driven by land disputes rather than customary or communal conflicts. He also cautioned against political actors who may be exploiting the situation to destabilize the Grand Bandundu region.