DRC: GEC highlights the power of the armed group of Guidon Shimiray

Handlebar Shimiray Mwissa is notably singled out by several sources for the worrying increase in rape cases in Masisi, North Kivu. ALEXIS HUGUET / AFP

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Is the NDC-Rénové the most powerful armed group in eastern Congo? In any case, a report by the Congo study group released to the public on Wednesday, May 13, details all the ramifications of this group led by warlord Guidon Shimiray.

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The Congo Study Group (GEC) which publishes its report on the NDC-Renovated has the title: "  For the army, with the army, like the army?" " Thanks to support from the Congolese army, this group now controls a large portion of four of the six territories in the province of North Kivu. If Guidon Shimiray , today under United Nations sanctions, is so successful, it is because he knows how to make himself useful.

The latter plays a major role alongside the FARDC and more recently has reportedly collaborated, at least indirectly, with the Rwandan army, points out the new GEC report, notably in operations against Rwandan and Congolese Hutu rebels, and this since 2015. In exchange, his group, the NDC-Rénové, would notably obtain weapons and uniforms. The GEC proves it, supporting photos.

Mines, hotel, cigarettes ...

The success of the NDC-Rénové is also due to its organization. Like the great rebellions in the east, be it the RCD or the FDLR, it controlled large portions of the territory. And he builds solid alliances, there is a whole galaxy of groups attached to it. He exploits mines in Walikale and the south of the Lubero, imposes taxes on the populations, reserves the importation of certain sought-after goods such as cigarettes and even builds a hotel. Handlebar Shimiray Mwissa even has a communications and propaganda service that publishes photos and videos.

►Also read: DRC: warlord Guidon under arrest warrant

What makes this group especially successful, according to the GEC, is the impunity it enjoys in the face of a failing state. Its camps and military hierarchy are known, the GEC also publishes maps and organization charts, but it has almost never been the target of operations by the Congolese army or Monusco.

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