FARDC Seizes CRP/Zaire Coalition Ammunition Stockpile

DJUGU March 5, 2026 - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have announced the seizure of a significant ammunition stockpile belonging to the CRP/Zaire coalition, a rebel alliance led by Thomas Lubanga in Ituri province. Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, spokesperson for the provincial government, said the stockpile included ammunition of all calibers, RPG-7 rockets, AK-47s, PKM machine guns, and Castor bombs, previously hidden at the coalition’s headquarters in Jingo, Mambisa chiefdom, Djugu territory. He described the operation as a “fatal blow” to the coalition’s logistical capabilities and credited local populations for their collaboration with the army. “The Armed Forces will continue to search everywhere weapons and ammunition have been hidden. This is a major military achievement. Credit goes to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces for deploying the necessary resources to progressively pacify Ituri, area by area,” Lieutenant Ngongo said. The CRP/Zaire coalition has been responsible for escalating violence in Djugu territory since last year, targeting both FARDC positions and civilians, leading to mass displacements and numerous deaths. The FARDC said it intends to continue operations to fully restore security and state authority across the province, which remains under a state of siege since 2021. Authorities maintain that military interventions have achieved some progress, though pacification efforts in Ituri are ongoing, and the humanitarian situation remains precarious, with a high number of displaced persons and civilian victims.

Faits rapportés

DJUGU March 5, 2026 - The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have announced the seizure of a significant ammunition stockpile belonging to the CRP/Zaire coalition, a rebel alliance led by Thomas Lubanga in Ituri province. Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, spokesperson for the provincial government, said the stockpile included ammunition of all calibers, RPG-7 rockets, AK-47s, PKM machine guns, and Castor bombs, previously hidden at the coalition’s headquarters in Jingo, Mambisa chiefdom, Djugu territory. He described the operation as a “fatal blow” to the coalition’s logistical capabilities and credited local populations for their collaboration with the army. “The Armed Forces will continue to search everywhere weapons and ammunition have been hidden. This is a major military achievement. Credit goes to the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces for deploying the necessary resources to progressively pacify Ituri, area by area,” Lieutenant Ngongo said. The CRP/Zaire coalition has been responsible for escalating violence in Djugu territory since last year, targeting both FARDC positions and civilians, leading to mass displacements and numerous deaths. The FARDC said it intends to continue operations to fully restore security and state authority across the province, which remains under a state of siege since 2021. Authorities maintain that military interventions have achieved some progress, though pacification efforts in Ituri are ongoing, and the humanitarian situation remains precarious, with a high number of displaced persons and civilian victims.