Mabanga (Djugu), August 24th, 2025 (CPA). – The capitulation of 50 militiamen from the Zaïre armed group, accompanied by the handover of 47 weapons in Mabanga, in Ituri, in the northeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been applauded on Sunday by an official from the national disarmament program.
« We have taken a decisive step towards the return of a lasting peace in Ituri. Indeed, 50 members of the Zaire self-defence group have already voluntarily resigned, with a total of 47 weapons. The process is gradual, based on trust, awareness, and the involvement of community leaders, » has indicated Flory Kitoko, provincial coordinator of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Community Recovery, and Stabilization Program (P-DDRCS) in Ituri. Regarding the main factors that have driven this wave of redditions and the handover of weapons after a long period of resistance, Mr. Kitoko has cited “the war weariness, the pressure from the communities, the efforts of the government, particularly the military pressure and the field work of the P-DDRCS.” “The combatants want to return to civilian life, while others will choose to join the army following all the necessary procedures,” he has added. Flory Kitoko has also emphasized on the care of these ex-combatants once they have been disarmed.
“They are first registered, then temporarily housed in a transit centre. After evaluation, they receive a psychosocial support, training, and resources for income-generating activities or a safe return to their communities,” he has explained. He has used the opportunity to call on other local armed groups, still resistant to the peace process, to follow the example of the Zaire self-defence group and make an honourable exit through the P-DDRCS, which is ready to welcome them. “The time has come to choose peace. The weapons will never bring the lasting stability. The government is offering an honourable way out. They should join this process while it is still possible.
Peace is priceless,” he has said. Mabanga, an entity located about 60 km from Bunia in Ituri, as well as other mining entities in the Djugu territory, are currently under the complete control of the elements of DRC armed forces, following successful operations. CPA/