Mobondo Militiamen Surrender Weapons as Government Urges Return of Displaced Persons

Kwamouth, January 27, 2026 - In a significant step toward peace in the Kwamouth territory, several Mobondo militiamen have surrendered their weapons in villages such as Etumba na Ngwaka, following a government-led peacekeeping mission.

The weapons were handed over to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in the presence of Minister Delegate for Defense in charge of Veterans, Eliezer Ntambwe, who has been leading the mission for a week. While local reports suggest about 100 weapons have been surrendered, the minister indicated that the final tally will be submitted to Kinshasa at the conclusion of the mission.

Some leaders of the Mobondo militia, along with their traditional healers, have also joined the peace process, signaling a broader willingness among the movement’s members to reintegrate into civilian life.

Minister Ntambwe highlighted that the Mobondo phenomenon has evolved beyond its original ethnic conflict roots between the Teke and Yaka communities, becoming increasingly associated with livestock raiding and other criminal activities. “Those who started this Mobondo story are already with us, including their traditional healers. This proves there is a will to leave this movement,” Ntambwe stated.

The minister conveyed a message from the President of the Republic, encouraging former combatants to resume normal lives and leave the movement, which had drawn in many participants, including some innocent civilians seeking protection.

Ntambwe also urged displaced populations to return to their villages, assuring them that security measures have been deployed by the 11th and 14th Military Regions and the Republican Guard to protect civilians and their property.

“This peacekeeping mission primarily aims to facilitate the surrender of Mobondo militiamen in this part of the country,” the minister explained. He emphasized that insecurity in the region has hindered the implementation of several government programs, underscoring the broader importance of stabilizing Kwamouth.

The surrender of weapons and the ongoing reintegration efforts mark a critical step toward restoring security and normalcy in the affected communities, while allowing the government to implement development and social programs more effectively.