DRC: the case of military effects seized in Butembo, in North Kivu, causes a stir

A general view of Butembo, in North Kivu province, DRC.

(illustrative image) JOHN WESSELS / AFP

Text by: RFI Follow

2 min

The Congolese and Ugandan armies are continuing joint military operations against the ADF rebels in eastern DRC.

New bombardments targeted supposed positions of its fighters on Monday.

However, the two coalition forces warn of the presence in the region of armed men wearing camouflage and uniforms similar to that of the Ugandan army and who " 

" to discredit the joint operations carried out by the two .

country against the ADF rebels.

The statement released on Monday January 10 also refers to the military effects that were allegedly seized in Butembo, in the province of North Kivu.

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With our correspondent in Kinshasa,

The affair caused a stir in Butembo.

According to a joint statement signed on January 10 by the Ugandan and Congolese armies, a truck for commercial use was intercepted four days earlier with, on board, uniforms similar to those of the Ugandan military.

The packages were said to have been concealed in the merchandise.

According to the English version of the press release, the recipient of these items is a well-known businessman from Butembo.

However, the French version makes no mention of this incident.

The military prosecutor's office in Butembo has in any case opened a judicial investigation.

At this point, the investigation is still secret, but sources within the military justice reveal that preliminary work has been carried out.

The same sources say the seizure did not concern military uniforms, but rather three cartons of water gourds and a hundred scarves, all green in color with strong dark tints.

At least two people were reportedly arrested for the purposes of the investigation, the sources said.

But for the Congolese and Ugandan armies, there are no possible doubts: there are indeed people in the region who want to commit abuses against civilians by presenting themselves as Ugandan soldiers.

This, with the aim of undermining the joint operations launched since November 30, 2021.

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