CNC-ALPC Urges Vigilance After Discovery of Explosive Devices in Walikale

Walikale, North Kivu March 16, 2026 - Residents of Walikale are being urged to exercise extreme caution following the discovery of several unexploded devices and munitions in and around the town. The devices were found on March 14, 2026, by local residents and handed over to the CNC-ALPC (National Commission for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons). The discoveries have reignited security concerns, nearly ten months after the withdrawal of AFC/M23 rebels from Walikale town. Officials reported the recovery of two 60mm mortar shells and a significant quantity of various munitions, thanks to the cooperation of the local population. One mortar shell was found in Mubanda, about four kilometers east of Walikale, by workers rehabilitating the Walikale-Kibua road, previously used by rebels. Another bomb was discovered on a residential property in Ndjingala, while additional munitions were recovered in the Nyalusukula neighborhood. The head of the main CNC-ALPC post in Walikale, Clément Kubuya Ndoole, stressed the need for residents to avoid handling suspicious objects and to immediately alert authorities if explosives are found. He emphasized that community collaboration remains essential for long-term security and the gradual cleansing of Walikale from explosive remnants. Since the start of its awareness campaign on unexploded ordnance, the CNC-ALPC has collected over 500 kilograms of munitions, which are awaiting destruction.