FARDC plan expanded weapons searches after Djugu depot seizure

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) say they plan to intensify operations to locate hidden weapons across Ituri province after announcing the seizure of an ammunition depot linked to the CRP/Zaïre armed coalition in Djugu territory. The discovery was reported in Jingo, in the Mambisa chiefdom, according to provincial authorities as vited by Actualite.cd.

According to provincial government spokesperson Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, the depot contained a range of military supplies including ammunition of several calibers, RPG-7 rounds, AK-47 weapons systems, and PKM-related equipment. He said the cache was discovered during operations conducted by the army with support from local residents.

Military authorities described the discovery as a significant logistical setback for the armed coalition linked to Thomas Lubanga’s Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP) and the Zaïre armed group. Officials said the operation followed clashes in areas including Mabanga, Nizi, and Likida, where the groups had previously maintained positions.

Following the seizure, the FARDC signaled that operations will continue in Djugu and other parts of Ituri in an effort to uncover additional hidden weapons and dismantle the armed groups’ logistical networks.

“The Armed Forces will continue to search everywhere weapons and ammunition have been hidden,” Lieutenant Ngongo said, calling on residents to keep cooperating with the army as security operations expand.

Authorities also highlighted earlier operations that reportedly recovered more than 500 weapons from different locations in the province in recent weeks, presenting the latest discovery as part of a broader effort to weaken armed groups operating in the region.

The coalition between the CRP and the Zaïre armed group has been linked by Congolese authorities to escalating violence in Djugu territory, where clashes with the FARDC and attacks affecting civilians have contributed to displacement and insecurity.

Ituri province has been under a state of siege since 2021, with military authorities overseeing both security and administrative responsibilities as the government continues operations aimed at restoring stability in the region.

Source: Actualite.cd