Fifteen illegal cells dismantled on Fizi road
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Beto
Authorities dismantled more than 20 roadblocks and 15 illegal cells along the route linking Fizi-centre to Misisi, in South Kivu, according to territorial administrator Samy Badibanga. The operation, negotiated with the Wazalendo, comes as more than 200 young volunteers have registered to join the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Beto reports.
The administrator of Fizi territory, Samy Badibanga, announced the dismantling of more than 20 roadblocks and 15 illegal cells on the road linking Fizi-centre to Misisi, in South Kivu, on 22 October. The operation targeted harassment and arbitrary arrests attributed to Wazalendo fighters, according to statements reported by Beto.
Samy Badibanga said he had carried out the operation in consultation with Amuri Yakutumba, the Wazalendo coordinator. These fighters, who support the regular forces, also occupy positions along the region’s commercial routes.
During the same press briefing, the administrator said that more than 200 young volunteers had registered to join the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The Wazalendo of Misisi took part in a parade organised by recruiters and, according to Badibanga, were ordered to join positions in the Fizi Highlands, particularly near Minembwe.
The administrator also claimed that elements he associates with former president Joseph Kabila were fighting the army in the area. Regionally, the Nzibira-Shabunda road in South Kivu had been blocked for four weeks, while a transport workers’ strike had paralysed the RN27 between Bunia and Mahagi, in Ituri, for six days amid ambushes and extortion.
