Is M23 arresting refugees who are returning home?

 

There are reports that young people returning  to areas occupied by the M23 are being arrested and missing. The families of the victims are worried. 

After the occupation of houses by unknown individuals in Masisi territory, several local sources claim that young people returning to these areas are arrested and taken to a secret location.

“Since the beginning of this month, more than 45 young people who returned to Kitshanga have been arrested, we don’t even know where they were taken, no one here talks about it for fear of suffering the same fate,” confides a resident of the city. from Kitshanga.

"There is a certain Bishop Bahani, he is known because he was the goalkeeper of the FC Muungano football team who was recently arrested upon his arrival in Kitshanga. He has joined the long list of others, we are very worried because we do not know if they are still alive or they are dead. They are accused of being spies and collaborators of FDLR,” said another local source. 

 This wave of arrests of young people in the Bashali chiefdom, in Kitshanga, has been denounced by several anonymous sources. These arrests, attributed to the M23 rebels, mainly target young people returning to this region for family reasons. These young people would be accused, without evidence, of being spies or members of Wazalendo resistance groups.  One of the latest cases reported is that of Mr. Bishop Bahani, a former goalkeeper of the Muungano FC football team in Kitshanga. Having fled the clashes in 2023, Bishop Bahani settled in Goma, where he worked as a security guard in a school. Last Tuesday, as he returned to visit his family back in Kitshanga, he was immediately arrested and thrown in prison by the M23-RDF rebels.  Bishop Bahani, like so many other young people, was arbitrarily arrested upon his arrival in Kitshanga. They are detained illegally, and no one dares to talk about it for fear of reprisals,” says one of our sources who requested anonymity. She reports that some of these young people are then transferred to Bwiza, in the Rutshuru territory, where the conditions of detention remain unknown.  She urges the Congolese authorities and human rights organizations to intervene for the release of these young people, whose detention is considered illegal and arbitrary. The movement highlights the urgency of action to put an end to these human rights violations which sow fear and terror among people.

Another source specifies that these young people are taken to the village of Bwiza, but the conditions of their detention are unknown because family members have no access.

ADF attacks Bahana kills people and does damage to health facilities in Bahana

The attacked village is located in the Babila Bakwanza chiefdom in the Mambasa territory on national road number 4.

Provisional assessment: 4 people killed, including a soldier of the Armed Forces of the DRC and his weapon taken away. A reason for regret for human rights activist John Vuleveryo Musombolwa who draws the particular attention of the competent authorities.

These enemies targeted this entity located on the Komanda-Mambasa section around 5 a.m. local time. Medical sources in the Lolwa health zone confirm the fire at the Bahaha health center and the kidnapping of the head nurse of this health structure.

The medicines were either destroyed, taken away or set on fire. “what face will the capital show? How are we going to live with the population”, asks the chief of the chiefdom Babila Bakwanza who pleads for “more efforts” on the security level.

In search of medicine!

Just recently, the regular army inflicted a huge loss on these rebels in the region. The administrator of the Mambasa territory justifies this attack by the concern of these rebels to stock up on medicines to treat the wounded in their ranks.

A hypothesis which is confirmed by the kidnapping of the head nurse at the Bahaha health center. In regret, the senior chief commissioner Jean Baptiste Muyapandi speaks of 13 houses and 7 motorcycles burned.

Start of school threatened in Bahaha

Basically cruel on the Komanda-Luna section, the ADF have also been causing violence for several years now on the Komanda-Mambasa section.

This Monday's attack provokes a movement in both directions. President of the Youth Parliament in Babila Bakwanza, Djimy Soli puts forward a death toll of five. He invites the commander of the 31st main defense brigade based in Mambasa to intensify patrols in depth to annihilate the enemy as the start of the school year approaches.

Mandela national stadium and St Marys Kirenda stadium are the only two accredited and certified stadiums by CAF

 

Rwandan head of Police IGP Namuhoranye receives his Liberian counterpart at Police headquarters in Kacyiru

This monday, the head  of Rwanda police , CG Felix Namuhoranye, received IGP Gregory O. W. COLEMAN, head of  Liberian police at Rwandan police headquarters in Kacyiru.They held talks over establishing cooperation between the two forces.  

IGP Gregory O. W. COLEMAN and his group are in Rwanda for a four day visit meant to to build cooperation between the police forces of Liberia and Rwanda.

August 1st – August 24th, 2024: Tracking and Monitoring Al-Shabaab’s Activity in East Africa

Executive Summary

In August 2024, Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group, executed a series of attacks in Kenya and Somalia, showcasing a range of operational tactics and targeting strategies. During the first week of the month, from August 1 to August 8, Al-Shabaab carried out 16 attacks. The second week, spanning from August 8 to August 15, saw 17 attacks.

The first week of August  was marked by several high-casualty operations. On August 2, Al-Shabaab executed a double-tap suicide bombing and armed assault at Lido Beach, Mogadishu, resulting in over 20 fatalities and numerous injuries. Additionally, on the same day, they targeted a government checkpoint in Bafow, Lower Shabelle, which led to injuries among three Somali soldiers. The group’s tactics included IED attacks and direct assaults, highlighting their reliance on explosives and ambush strategies to inflict significant damage.

In the second week, Al-Shabaab’s activities remained intense but exhibited a slight shift in focus. Notable incidents on August 13 included a roadside explosion near Kamboni that targeted a convoy of Kenyan soldiers, causing casualties. The group also conducted multiple coordinated assaults on military bases, targeting both Kenyan and Ugandan forces. Additionally, Al-Shabaab carried out a suicide bombing operation against SNA troops near Shabelle University on August 9, which resulted in the deaths of two government soldiers and injuries to another.

The comparison between the two weeks reveals that the first week featured a broader range of attacks, including high-casualty suicide bombings and assaults on both military and civilian targets. In contrast, the second week concentrated more on targeted military operations, including IEDs and suicide bombings. This shift indicates a possible focus on disrupting military operations and targeting security forces more directly in the latter part of the month.

Al-Shabaab’s operational methods prominently include the use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and suicide bombings. These tactics were prevalent in both weeks, demonstrating the group’s strategic preference for explosive devices to maximize impact. Alongside these methods, armed assaults were employed, reflecting their direct engagement approach with targeted attacks on military positions.

The Northeastern region of Kenya, particularly Mandera County, has been frequently targeted, with multiple attacks on military bases and personnel. In Somalia, regions such as Lower Shabelle and Gedo provinces, including major urban areas like Mogadishu, have experienced repeated high-risk attacks. The concentration of Al-Shabaab’s efforts in these areas underscores their strategic significance and the ongoing challenge posed to security forces operating within these regions.

Terrorism Events:

Week 1- August 1st – August 8th

August 8, 2024 – Al-Shabaab executed a double-tap Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack followed by an armed assault targeting Somali and Ugandan forces between Janale and Bofo, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.

August 8, 2024 – Al-Shabaab raided a Kenyan Forces base in Lafi, Mandera, Northeastern Kenya, resulting in the death of one soldier.

August 7, 2024 – Al-Shabaab claims five Somali government forces surrendered after being ambushed in Hiran, Somalia.

August 7, 2024 – Al-Shabaab militants raided a Ugandan military base in Janale, Southern Somalia. Several were killed and injured.

August 7, 2024 – In a planned operation in the Bulo-Jameo area of Baydhaba city, Bay region, Al-Shabaab forces killed a number of SNA troops in the area.

August 6, 2024 – Al-Shabaab eliminated a Somali forces member and seized his weapon in Baidoa City, Bay, Southwestern Somalia.

August 6, 2024 – Al-Shabaab forces attacked ATMIS-Ethiopian forces’ base in Dinsoor district and a base of SNA troops in Goof-gaduud Buurey, near Baydhaba.

August 6, 2024 – Al-Shabaab forces launched a heavy attack on apostate militias in the Beledhawo district of Gedo province.

August 6, 2024 – Al-Shabaab launched a heavy attack on a Kenyan forces camp in the Dhamase area, Mandera region.

August 6, 2024 – Al-Shabaab killed and injured several Somali forces in an IED attack on their foot patrol in Bardere City, Gedo, Southwestern Somalia.

August 5, 2024 – Clashes between Al-Shabaab militants and security forces broke out in Ceelasha Biyaha, near Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle, Somalia.

August 5, 2024 – Al-Shabaab militants targeted a military vehicle transporting fuel for the National Army with an IED in Garasbaaleey, Mogadishu, Somalia.

August 4, 2024 – Al-Shabaab Mujahideen forces killed an apostate wanted by the group at the entrance to Hudur district, Bakool province, Somalia.

August 3, 2024 – A landmine explosion hit a civilian vehicle in Gololeey, Balcad District, traveling from Jowhar to Mogadishu. Eight people were aboard; only one survived.

August 2, 2024 – Al-Shabaab conducted a double-tap suicide bombing and armed assault on a restaurant and a hotel in Lido Beach, Mogadishu, Somalia, resulting in more than 20 dead and several injured.

August 2, 2024 – Al-Shabaab fighters carried out a heavy bombing operation targeting a government security checkpoint in Bafow, Lower Shabelle, injuring three Somali government soldiers.

Week 2: August 8th – August 15th.

August 15, 2024: Suspected Al-Shabaab militants abducted South Korean missionaries operating in Kenya near the Ethiopian border.

August 15, 2024: Al-Shabaab’s explosives unit executed an IED attack targeting Kenyan security forces in the El-Ramo area of Mandera County, Northern Frontier District (NFD).

August 14, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants conducted an explosion in Beled Hawo town, Gedo region, targeting a checkpoint manned by Somali National Army (SNA) forces, resulting in one soldier being injured.

August 14, 2024: Al-Shabaab launched a coordinated assault on the Baraxow camp controlled by SNA troops in Bardhere town, Gedo region.

August 13, 2024: Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for a roadside explosion that struck a convoy of Kenyan soldiers near Kamboni in Lamu County, destroying a military vehicle and resulting in casualties among the soldiers onboard.

August 13, 2024: Al-Shabaab reported a heavy assault on Ethiopian troops and Somali government forces in the Hiran region, with direct attacks on military bases in Halgan and Buulaburte.

August 13, 2024: Al-Shabaab assassinated a Kenyan Forces officer in Nani, Garissa, Kenya, as part of their ongoing campaign against high-ranking governmental and military personnel.

August 13, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants claimed to have overrun a military base in Ilbaq, near Balcad, killing several government soldiers and capturing military ammunition. The Somali government has yet to respond to the attack.

August 13, 2024: Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for attacking Somali soldiers on foot near Balcad, Middle Shabelle.

August 11, 2024: Al-Shabaab’s explosive brigade in the Hiran region conducted two planned explosions at a control point held by Somali government troops in Jalalaqsi, resulting in the deaths of three SNA soldiers and injuries to four others.

August 10, 2024: Al-Shabaab forces carried out coordinated assaults on ATMIS-Ugandan troops in No/60 and on SNA troops in Awdheegle and Janale districts, Lower Shabelle.

August 9, 2024: Al-Shabaab militants in Banaadir conducted a bomb attack targeting Somali government troops, including intelligence agents (NISA) and military police, stationed at the Ceelasha-Biyaha junction on the outskirts of Mogadishu.

August 9, 2024: Suspected Al-Shabaab assassins killed a government soldier at the Isgooska Xoosh intersection in Mogadishu’s Dharkeynely district. The attackers reportedly fled the scene.

August 9, 2024: Al-Shabaab executed a double-tap IED and armed assault targeting Somali and Ugandan forces between Janale and Bofo in Lower Shabelle.

August 9, 2024: Al-Shabaab raided a Kenyan Forces base in Lafi, Mandera, Northeastern Kenya, resulting in the death of one soldier. The group continues operations against Kenyan and Somali forces.

August 9, 2024: Al-Shabaab carried out a suicide bombing operation targeting SNA troops near Shabelle University on the outskirts of Mogadishu, killing two government soldiers and injuring another member of the Riddada.

August 8, 2024: A bomb attack claimed by Al-Shabaab militants near Shabelle University on the outskirts of Mogadishu resulted in the deaths of two Somali government soldiers and injuries to one other.

Al-Shabaab militants claimed to have overrun a military base in Ilbaq, near Balcad, Middle Shabelle.

Analysis, Observation & Insights.

Al-Shabaab’s media wing, Al-Kataib Foundation continue to plays a significant role in amplifying the group’s perceived successes. By releasing carefully curated images and videos of their attacks, such as those from the latest assault on the Ilbaq military base, Al-Shabaab aims to project an image of dominance and operational success. This propaganda is designed to boost morale within the group, attract new recruits, and present a façade of invincibility. The exaggerated portrayal of their victories serves to obscure the group’s setbacks and challenges, creating a distorted view of their overall effectiveness.

This propaganda serves to bolster the group’s image and attract new recruits by presenting themselves as a victorious and unstoppable force. The exaggerated portrayal of their operations is designed to appeal to potential members, particularly those disillusioned with the status quo or looking for a sense of purpose. By amplifying their successes, Al-Shabaab aims to boost morale among its ranks and persuade individuals to join their cause. In reality, these narratives often obscure the group’s setbacks and challenges, creating a distorted view of their capabilities and influence.

Looking forward, it is anticipated that Al-Shabaab will continue to rely on IEDs and armed assaults while potentially increasing the complexity of their attacks. The group’s focus may shift towards targeting critical infrastructure to further isolate regions and disrupt military movements. As Al-Shabaab adapts to counterterrorism efforts, security forces in Kenya and Somalia will need to enhance their intelligence capabilities and improve coordination to counter these evolving threats effectively. The ongoing threat posed by Al-Shabaab highlights the need for vigilant and adaptive security measures in the region.

Overall, Al-Shabaab’s activities in the first two weeks of August 2024 highlight their continued operational capability and adaptability. The group’s use of IEDs, suicide bombings, and armed assaults demonstrates a persistent effort to undermine security forces and create instability in key regions of Kenya and Somalia.

 

Frontline report!

 Different front lines in the Lubero territory woke up after intense fighting yesterday, Sunday, August 25, in the village of KIKUVO.  The same situation is observed in the different areas of Masisi, local sources indicate. The Congolese government strongly condemns the attempts of the M23/RDF to manipulate public opinion with false allegations concerning the activities of the FARDC. Despite their accusations, no FARDC aircraft flew over the North Kivu region due to unfavorable weather conditions. Their recent offensive in Kikuvo constitutes a blatant violation of the Luanda ceasefire agreement. The FARDC will report these violations to the relevant verification mechanisms, in order to ensure accountability for these acts of aggression. 

 

This Monday, August 26, 2024, in the Majengo district, near the market known as Ki 30 in the commune of Karisimbi, a man in uniform opened fire, killing at least two people and seriously injuring another, during an altercation with resemblance to the robbery. According to testimonies collected, the argument broke out around 11 a.m. between the armed man and a money changer, before setting the entire area ablaze.  The young people, having seized the situation, expressed the wish to stone the author of this crime. This therefore explains the shots heard in this part of the city of Goma in these late morning hours. The perpetrator of the shooting directly apprehended was sent to the Bukumu chieftaincy office where the trial of his colleagues responsible for the recent violence in Turunga

Rwanda and Sierra Leone sign internal security and prisons cooperation agreements.

 Details later!

Doudou Tikaïleli Baundjwa leaves the Sacred Union to join the M23 rebellion

Doudou Tikaïleli Baundjwa, former influential executive of the political party led by Guy Loando Mboyo, recently joined the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a politico-military movement, led by Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, and affiliated with the M23 rebellion . 

This departure marks a major turning point in the political dynamics of the country, especially given the fact that the AFC is allied with a rebel group active in the eastern region of the DRC. 

The departure of Tikaïleli Baundjwa from Union Sacrée, the political coalition supporting President of the Republic Félix Tshisekedi, to join a movement linked to the rebellion raises major concerns about the political stability of the DRC.

 According to Lucha member Fiston Bauma, this shift in allegiance highlights growing tensions and internal divisions that could affect government cohesion and complicate efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict. 

This transfer could also reflect complex power dynamics and frustrations within existing political structures, thereby increasing the challenges Tshisekedi's government faces in maintaining order and national unity in a context already marked by conflict. and regional tensions. 

The intelligence deductions!

- The internationally publicised membership of the famous lawyer DOUDOU TIKAILELI BAUNDJWA of TSHOPO (KISANGANI) to the Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) shakes several circles of power of Félix Tshilombo in Kinshasa and Kisangani. The presidential family fears that this membership will open the way for several others among nationals of the Greater East. 

- ELITES from Kisangani  say that Félix Tshilombo is unaware that he has sufficiently hurt the Congolese of KISANGANI in particular and those of Tshopo in general. First, they blame Tshisekedi for the provocative appointment of Madeleine NIKOMBA (a Kasaian) as governor of Tshopo. They further claim that it was through this lady that Félix Tshilombo embezzled the funds intended for the victims of the six (6) day (UPDF and RDF clashes)war. They also claim that it was  this young sister from Tshilombo who was at the base of the bloody conflicts in the outskirts of the commune of Lubunga between the Mbole and Lengola ethnic groups at the end of May. Several dead bodies were found and eleven skeletons discovered more than 20 kilometers from the city of Kisangani, located on the left bank of the Congo River.

- In addition, ELITES and prominent people from TSHOPO claim that the city of Kisangani remains ignored by President Tshilombo whom they blame for failure to provide stable and permanent electricity. 

- ⁠AREP (Agisons pour République)of Minister of State GUY LOANDO MBOYO should calm down. DOUDOU TIKAILELI BAUNDJWA hadearlier resigned from AREP herself, why justify it with inaudible press releases?

-As we had earlier present in intelligence rapports,many of intellectuals and political figures from east DRC will continue defecting to M23/AFC.

Gun robberies and violence increase in Goma despite the captured of 8 alleged M23 recruiters.

 The mayor of the city of Goma (North Kivu), Senior Commissioner Faustin Kapend Kamand, announced on Saturday, August 24, the arrest of eight alleged recruiters for the M23 rebellion, by the intelligence services of the 34th military region.

He made this revelation on Saturday during the presentation of a group of fifteen people arrested as part of the weekly operation ''Safisha Mji wa Goma'' (Clean the city of Goma). 

Among them are a soldier from the 11th brigade, Rwandan citizens in an irregular situation, drug dealers and young people arrested in different districts of Goma, and in the territory of Nyiragongo. 

According to him, these people come from the enemy zone and they were already carrying out clandestine recruitment on behalf of the M23. The soldier of the 11th brigade is being prosecuted for the dissipation of ammunition in time of war. 

Senior Commissioner Faustin Kapend Kamand said that the territory of Nyiragongo is where all these bandits who come to operate in the city, organizing burglaries, robberies and other crimes, hide.

"  The young people, some from Nyiragongo and others from the Majengo, Kasika and Katoy districts, confessed that they were the ones who snatched the policeman's weapon when the roads were barricaded a week ago, " added the officer, who also announced that the intelligence department of the 34th military region had already transferred other criminals to Kinshasa. According to him, this operation was carried out secretly so as not to alert the infiltrators.

 Despite the operations to arrest the perpetrators,this Monday, August 26, 2024, in the Majengo district, near the so-called "Ki 30" market located in the commune of Karisimbi, a man in FARDC uniform opened fire, causing the death of at least two people and seriously injuring one another, following an altercation which resembled a robbery.

According to testimonies collected, the incident broke out around 11 a.m., involving the armed man and a money changer, before degenerating and setting the entire area ablaze. Young people present on site expressed their intention to lynch the perpetrator of this shooting.

This event therefore explains the gunshots which were heard late in the morning in this part of the city of Goma.

this FARDC soldier was arrested in the afternoon.This is the Problem FARDC has,the indisciplined army officers who rage terror on civilians.This destroys confidence and good relationship with the public.

(Photo of The FARDC soldier who was arrested this afternoon for attacks on civilians)

According to intelligence information collected today afternoon by our patriotic confidants from various members of societies in karisimbi,katoyi,majengo and the areas around the military barracks in Katindo,the gun violence and robbery is mostly attributted to indisciplined soldiers who connive with gangster to attack business men and innocent civilians.It is these gangsters who scout on the  businemen and then connive with the rogour army officers to attack known businessmen .An innocent civilians decried that it is these gangsters who point out to these stupid military on whom to attack and when because they first monitor the activities of their targets.He also stressed that the recent attacks in Goma where business men attacked is a result of such acts which the gangster plan together with the rogour military men.The civilians detaste this army behavior and it has increased mistrust.One civilian warned that such behavior of conniving with gangsters also eases the way the rebels can infiltrate or spy on the army.When asked ,on what kind of punishment to be given to Such officers,he said that such officers should be prosecuted immediately and in presence of public.

DRC army reacts on M23's accusations of violating it's airspace

The DRC Gorvenment hasreacted on M23's accusations of “violating its airspace.” This is an attempt to blind public opinion, because it has been 48 hours since, due to weather problems, no aircraft from the FARDC or their partners has been able to take to the air in North Kivu. In this same context, to justify the attacks they launched this Sunday on our positions in Kikubo in the territory of Lubero, the latter signed, on August 24, and published in the public square a press release evoking a deployment of FARDC troops around areas under their control. This was once again a manipulation of public opinion, says the Congolese army.