North Kivu: Province-Wide Arms and Ammunition Collection Campaign Launched

The military governor of North Kivu, Major General Évariste Kakulé Somo, launched a large-scale operation on Tuesday, November 11, to collect firearms, ammunition, and explosive devices throughout the province.

The campaign aims to reduce armed violence, ensure public safety, and restore state authority. A special national commission will oversee the operation, supported by local commissions composed of representatives from government authorities, FARDC, the police, civil society, and religious leaders.

Citizens who voluntarily surrender their weapons will receive a financial reward proportional to the type of weapon and quantity of ammunition. Surrenders will be confidential and without legal repercussions, with collected weapons centralized in Beni before being handed over to the FARDC command.

Funded by the government and its partners, the campaign also aims to raise public awareness of the risks associated with illegal possession of weapons.