Ituri: Army Recaptures Mines Used to Fund CRP Armed Group

The Congolese army says it has regained control of mines that were financing the Zaire/CRP armed group in Ituri province.

According to Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, army spokesman in Ituri, the mines are located in Nizi, Mabanga, Dala, and Kabarole in the Djugu and Irumu territories. He confirmed on Friday, August 22, that these sites were taken back by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).

“We welcome the recapture of Nizi, Mabanga, Dala, and Kabarole by our forces. From there, we recovered all the mines that were your source of supply and arms purchases, because we have all the information,” said Lt. Ngongo in a statement.

He added that the mines will remain closed until a government delegation from Kinshasa arrives to restore order.

“These mines are closed until a delegation comes from Kinshasa. The state authority is here, and no one will access it. The wealth you were using to fund foreigners to fight us is now under control. We touched where it hurts you, and we will remain like this,” he declared.

In addition, the army says it seized nine AK-47 rifles and 60 rounds of ammunition from the youth president of the Dego group in Bahema Badjere, Djugu territory.

According to the army, this recovery follows strong military pressure on the Zaire/CRP militia