DRC Army Accused of Supplying Ammunition to FDLR and Allied Armed Groups

January 17, 2026 ; The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) are accused of providing additional tons of ammunition to the FDLR and other allied armed groups to support their fight against the AFC/M23 coalition. Reports from North Kivu Province indicate that on January 14, 2026, weapons, ammunition, and funds were delivered to leaders of the FDLR, CMC/Domi, and ANCDH/Nyatura Abazungu. The operation reportedly took place at the DRC military base of Pinga in Walikale Territory and involved several Abanye-Congolese officers. Among those present were Col. Mokoko, responsible for operations in the 34th Military Region; Col. Salomon Tokolonga, commander of the 3402nd Regiment and acting head of forces in Pinga; and the North Kivu Wazalendo coordinator, Col. Cyprien Semivumbi. Although the DRC government maintains that any collaboration between its soldiers and the FDLR is carried out on an individual basis, the organization and execution of the operation in Pinga suggest a coordinated effort within a broader state program. Following the delivery, the FDLR and allied groups reportedly transported the weapons and ammunition to active conflict zones, including Bashali-Mokoto, Malemo, and Buhimba in Masisi Territory, as well as Jardin Théicole de Ngeri (JTN) and Katsiro in Rutshuru Territory. Additional reports indicate that on January 13, more than 50 Blackwater mercenaries were deployed to Pinga to assist the DRC army and allied groups in operations along the Masisi-Walikale border. Previously, on November 28, 2025, the DRC government reportedly delivered three tons of ammunition to Pinga, intended for the FDLR, NDC-R, and other Nyatura groups, following instructions from Col. Tokolonga. The continued support for the FDLR and other armed groups, as well as the alleged use of mercenaries, raises questions about the DRC government’s commitment to the peace agreement signed with Rwanda on June 27, 2025, brokered by the United States. Under the agreement, the DRC had pledged to dismantle the FDLR, but the reported actions suggest that implementation remains uncertain.

Faits rapportés

January 17, 2026 ; The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) are accused of providing additional tons of ammunition to the FDLR and other allied armed groups to support their fight against the AFC/M23 coalition. Reports from North Kivu Province indicate that on January 14, 2026, weapons, ammunition, and funds were delivered to leaders of the FDLR, CMC/Domi, and ANCDH/Nyatura Abazungu. The operation reportedly took place at the DRC military base of Pinga in Walikale Territory and involved several Abanye-Congolese officers. Among those present were Col. Mokoko, responsible for operations in the 34th Military Region; Col. Salomon Tokolonga, commander of the 3402nd Regiment and acting head of forces in Pinga; and the North Kivu Wazalendo coordinator, Col. Cyprien Semivumbi. Although the DRC government maintains that any collaboration between its soldiers and the FDLR is carried out on an individual basis, the organization and execution of the operation in Pinga suggest a coordinated effort within a broader state program. Following the delivery, the FDLR and allied groups reportedly transported the weapons and ammunition to active conflict zones, including Bashali-Mokoto, Malemo, and Buhimba in Masisi Territory, as well as Jardin Théicole de Ngeri (JTN) and Katsiro in Rutshuru Territory. Additional reports indicate that on January 13, more than 50 Blackwater mercenaries were deployed to Pinga to assist the DRC army and allied groups in operations along the Masisi-Walikale border. Previously, on November 28, 2025, the DRC government reportedly delivered three tons of ammunition to Pinga, intended for the FDLR, NDC-R, and other Nyatura groups, following instructions from Col. Tokolonga. The continued support for the FDLR and other armed groups, as well as the alleged use of mercenaries, raises questions about the DRC government’s commitment to the peace agreement signed with Rwanda on June 27, 2025, brokered by the United States. Under the agreement, the DRC had pledged to dismantle the FDLR, but the reported actions suggest that implementation remains uncertain.