Mobondo Militia Threat Reduced to 10%, Says Minister Eliezer Ntambwe

GREATER BANDUNDU February 26, 2026 - Minister Delegate Eliezer Ntambwe, in charge of Veterans Affairs, reported significant progress in the disarmament and reintegration of the Mobondo militia in Greater Bandundu and Kinshasa, marking a major step in reducing insecurity linked to intercommunal conflict. Since January 2026, more than 500 Mobondo militiamen have surrendered and been referred to the National Service for professional reintegration, a program designed to equip former combatants with vocational skills. The threat posed by the militia has now been reduced to approximately 10%, according to Ntambwe, who distinguished this internal intercommunal conflict-between the Teke and Yaka communities-from external aggression such as that of AFC/M23 in the east of the DRC. The Mobondo phenomenon, which emerged in 2022, escalated from a land dispute into armed violence, causing murders, looting, and mass displacement. The militia, originally led by a farmer named Sadam, alias Faux Yaya, spread across Kwilu, Kwango, Mai-Ndombe provinces, and parts of Kinshasa, particularly Maluku, before disarmament operations began. Ntambwe highlighted that the disarmament strategy focused on awareness-raising, voluntary surrender, and structured reintegration rather than forced integration into military programs. Former militiamen are assessed individually for eligibility in reintegration programs, ensuring that those involved in atrocities are subject to transitional justice measures. “This does not mean everything will be forgotten,” Ntambwe said. “The transitional justice phase will follow, ensuring truth, reconciliation, and commitments to non-repetition.” He added that while the threat is not completely eliminated, it has been significantly diminished, with only isolated elements remaining in the bush. On the question of political involvement, Ntambwe partially confirmed that former President Joseph Kabila and PPRD members may have played a role in the conflict, citing testimonies regarding land purchases and insufficient compensation that fueled tensions. Security services continue to investigate these claims, which will be made public once verified. Despite the progress, Ntambwe emphasized that absolute security does not exist, and while the Mobondo threat has decreased, pockets of insecurity remain. He reiterated the ongoing role of the FARDC and the police (PNC) in pursuing remaining militants and preventing a resurgence of violence. The humanitarian impact of the Mobondo militia has been severe, with numerous deaths, displaced populations, and significant material losses. The Minister noted that the current phase prioritizes calming the situation and preparing for reintegration, with detailed assessments of displacement and damage planned as pacification advances. This initiative reflects a structured approach to local militia management, aiming to regulate conflict, reduce harm, and reintegrate combatants into society, contrasting sharply with external armed groups destabilizing other regions of the DRC.

Faits rapportés

GREATER BANDUNDU February 26, 2026 - Minister Delegate Eliezer Ntambwe, in charge of Veterans Affairs, reported significant progress in the disarmament and reintegration of the Mobondo militia in Greater Bandundu and Kinshasa, marking a major step in reducing insecurity linked to intercommunal conflict. Since January 2026, more than 500 Mobondo militiamen have surrendered and been referred to the National Service for professional reintegration, a program designed to equip former combatants with vocational skills. The threat posed by the militia has now been reduced to approximately 10%, according to Ntambwe, who distinguished this internal intercommunal conflict-between the Teke and Yaka communities-from external aggression such as that of AFC/M23 in the east of the DRC. The Mobondo phenomenon, which emerged in 2022, escalated from a land dispute into armed violence, causing murders, looting, and mass displacement. The militia, originally led by a farmer named Sadam, alias Faux Yaya, spread across Kwilu, Kwango, Mai-Ndombe provinces, and parts of Kinshasa, particularly Maluku, before disarmament operations began. Ntambwe highlighted that the disarmament strategy focused on awareness-raising, voluntary surrender, and structured reintegration rather than forced integration into military programs. Former militiamen are assessed individually for eligibility in reintegration programs, ensuring that those involved in atrocities are subject to transitional justice measures. “This does not mean everything will be forgotten,” Ntambwe said. “The transitional justice phase will follow, ensuring truth, reconciliation, and commitments to non-repetition.” He added that while the threat is not completely eliminated, it has been significantly diminished, with only isolated elements remaining in the bush. On the question of political involvement, Ntambwe partially confirmed that former President Joseph Kabila and PPRD members may have played a role in the conflict, citing testimonies regarding land purchases and insufficient compensation that fueled tensions. Security services continue to investigate these claims, which will be made public once verified. Despite the progress, Ntambwe emphasized that absolute security does not exist, and while the Mobondo threat has decreased, pockets of insecurity remain. He reiterated the ongoing role of the FARDC and the police (PNC) in pursuing remaining militants and preventing a resurgence of violence. The humanitarian impact of the Mobondo militia has been severe, with numerous deaths, displaced populations, and significant material losses. The Minister noted that the current phase prioritizes calming the situation and preparing for reintegration, with detailed assessments of displacement and damage planned as pacification advances. This initiative reflects a structured approach to local militia management, aiming to regulate conflict, reduce harm, and reintegrate combatants into society, contrasting sharply with external armed groups destabilizing other regions of the DRC.