M23/AFC political commissar arrested in Kyangwali on a recruitment mission

 

M23/AFC political commissar Arrested in Kyangwali Refugee Camp Detained in Hoima

On interrogation by detectives, Baraka confirmed that he was reporting directly to the AFC Commander, Corneille Yobeluo Nangaa (Nangaa)

David Baraka Elonga, the political commissar of the Congolese armed rebel movement known as Congo River Alliance (AFC), who was arrested from Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube district, western Uganda

David Baraka Elonga, the political commissar of the Congolese armed rebel movement known as Congo River Alliance (AFC), who was arrested from Kyangwali Refugee Settlement in Kikuube district, western Uganda, is set to be handed over to UPDF.

Baraka was arrested on September 5, 2024, in Kyangwali where he was actively recruiting refugees to participate in military training in DRC to overthrow the regime of President Felix Thsisekedi.

Police spokesperson ACP Rusoke Kituuma confirmed Baraka’s arrest, saying he was recruiting rebels in the refugee camp.

He said Baraka would be “handed over to the UPDF” for further management. 

On interrogation by detectives, Baraka confirmed that he was reporting directly to the AFC Commander, Corneille Yobeluo Nangaa (Nangaa).

Baraka disclosed to detectives that he was based in Bunia, Djungu territory, Ituri Province. 

“Security found that Baraka had already recruited 32 people, including four young girls,” said an NGO official at the refugee camp who preferred anonymity to speak freely, adding, “The poor refugees were waiting for a vehicle to take them away from the refugee camp to DRC for military training.”

Police have charged Baraka with a case of “aggravated human trafficking” at Hoima Police Station where he has been detained. 

Baraka’s admission to participating in such a crime could see him attract charges of terrorism and treason. 

The development also confirms United Nations’ recent investigative reports showing that the M23/AFC rebel alliance has been quietly recruiting Congolese refugees from camps in Uganda to replenish their ranks with fighters. 

Officials running NGOs in Kyangwali said Uganda needs to firmly deal with external infiltration of refugee camps by dissidents to recruit fighters for rebellions in the region.

AFC is a coalition of rebel groups that seeks to overthrow the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The principal member of AFC is the UN-sanctioned March 23 Movement (M23).

At its launch on December 15, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya, AFC invited armed groups and members of the Congolese military to join its rebellion. 

AFC conducts advocacy and public outreach on behalf of M23 and seeks to extend its armed insurgency beyond eastern DRC. 

The United Nations has since accused the rebel alliance of driving political instability, violent conflict, and civilian displacement. 

Sneaking into the camp

Local leaders say that Baraka may have quietly sneaked into Uganda through the porous Tchomia-Bugoma border point on August 8, 2024. 

“The rebel illegally entered Kyangwali refugee camp ,activated his contacts to recruit as many refugees as possible to return to Congo and fight. The refugees are promised a better life and rewards in future,” said an official at the refugee camp. 

Baraka also disclosed that the refugees were to undertake military training in Bunagana near the borders of Uganda and Rwanda.

There are a lot of claims that M23 has not only tried to recruit from refuge camps but also has many contact points and secret established supply centres in Uganda more especially in Kisoro and other districts in SW Uganda.Some days back,there was a media out cry from Kinshasha that a certain hotel in Kisoro acted as a transit centre for new recruits for M23.

Bunagana, a critical border town, is controlled by M23 rebels.

On Tuesday, ATMIS Deputy Force Commander for Operations & Plans, Maj. Gen. Marius Ngendabanka, and Sector Five Commander, Col. Oscar Hatungimana, visited Xawadley & Garsale Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) in Middle Shabelle to assess troop welfare & preparedness. 

They also met Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) officers responsible for regional security in Hiran. Both officers commended the Burundi contingent for their strong relations with the Somali Security Forces (SSF) in Hirshabelle State.

DRC army finally has recieved a number of Mwari attack helicopters they procured from South africa

 The DRC has already received its attack aircraft 

They are equipped with missiles, bombs fired at high altitude, it also has a 20 mm cannon and electro-optical cameras for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.

 Democratic Republic of Congo ordered “several” Mwari aircraft from the South African defense firm Paramount Group, according to a 2023 Sept. 13 company news release.

The purchase followed Paramount’s delivery of equipment to Mozambique, where the Mwari is already operational. According to the firm, the aircraft is designed for a wide range of missions, such as counterinsurgency, border patrol, precision strike, reconnaissance and surveillances.

The aircraft, touted as requiring a minimal logistical footprint, can operate in remote and austere environments as well as equip different payloads.

“With decades of experience in asymmetrical warfare, we’ve designed the Mwari as a tool that is not only robust but incredibly adaptable, fitting the needs of modern militaries in Africa and around the world,” Steve Griessel, the chief executive of Paramount Group, said in a statement last year.

Paramount also announced during DSEI it integrated “advanced weapons systems” on the Mwari, noting it will disclose specifics “at a later date.” Weapons testing and certification ae expected later in 2023 or in early 2024, the news release stated.

 The cost-effective Mwari multirole aircraft can be deployed in border patrol, counter insurgency missions, forward air control, forward airdrop and resupply, armed reconnaissance, and electronic intelligence (ELINT) and communication intelligence (COMINT) missions. Other mission capabilities include internal security, disaster management and maritime patrol.

Mwari aircraft design details

Incorporating a twin-boom design, the Mwari aircraft features airframe constructed using meal and composite materials. The longitudinal booms at empennage feature a pair of vertical stabilisers joined by a horizontal stabiliser.

The high-wing design improves its visibility for the crew, while allowing operations from unprepared airfields. The modular design also supports the integration of different mission systems for a range of military operations.

The aircraf has a length of 10.5m, wing span of 12m and a height of 4m. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 3,800kg and maximum payload capacity with full fuel load will be more than 800kg.

Mwari cockpit features

The aircraft features a multi-function IFR glass cockpit, which cockpit accommodates two crew members in tandem seating layout. It can be optionally installed with Martin Baker Mk16 or Mk17 ejection seats.

The cockpit features a large vertical separation and will offer optimum view for the crew.

Armament aboard Mwari

Mwari is e armed with a 20mm cannon integrated into the fuselage. The aircraft features six wing-mounted hard points for carrying a combination of weapons.

The hard points can be added with surface-to-air missiles, rocket launchers and general-purpose bombs.

Sensor / radar equipment

The aircraft is equipped with Boeing integrated mission system for conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and light attack missions. It will feature a belly-mounted, multi-mission sensor pod.

"The aircraft is equipped with Boeing integrated mission system for conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and light attack missions."

The adaptable pod systems aboard the aircraft  allows the integration of forward looking infrared (FLIR) cameras, synthetic aperture radars (SARs), active and passive electronic warfare (EW) systems, and ELINT / COMINT payloads.

Engine and landing gear

The single-pusher-engine configuration of Mwari integrates a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-66B engine driving a single propeller. The flat-rated engine has a power of 710kW (950hp).

Mwari is equipped with retractable tri-cycle landing gear designed for semi-prepared and unprepared runways. The landing gear can be optionally integrated with extra-large high flotation wheels.

Mwari aircraft performance

The short take-off and landing (STOL) capability of the aircraft allows operations in small airfields with short runways or surfaces.

With full load, the aircraft requires a take-off distance of 550m. It will survive 8g and -4g loads during operations.

Mwari can operate at a maximum altitude of 31,000ft and will have a maximum cruise speed of 272kt. The maximum mission rage and ferry range of the aircraft will be 1,150nmi and 2,000nmi, respectively.

General Dominic of CMC/FDP heldaa meeting with his fighters

 The forces of the Collective of Movements for Change, People's Defense Forces "CMC/FDP" in acronym were gathered today Monday September 9, 2024 and the majority of political executives for a moral talk by its Chief of General Staff,  General Dominique who reminds them to remain vigilant and ready for the total liberation of the territories under occupation of the RDF M23. He also reminded them of order, discipline as well as respect for the rules of international humanitarian law and the rights of armed conflicts such as teaching within a time limit that they were retrained. 

Intense fighting between M23 and Wazalendo

 This Monday morning, intense fighting between the M23 rebels supported by Rwanda and the wazalendo have been reported since 3 hours in muheto, kanzenze, kanyatsi, nyamitaba center in the territory of Masisi, chiefdom of Bashali kaembe.

These ongoing rebel attacks follow, according to our source in the area, heavy losses inflicted on the rebels this Sunday by the young resistant patriots of the UPCRN movement of the self-proclaimed General Gentil Tuungane in kalonge and lushangi.

Since Tuesday last week, the M23_RDF have been sending messages asking the populations of mushababwe, Ruza, bundase, rushashi of the tongo grouping in Rutshuru territory to evacuate these villages to make way for the operations they want to launch against the wazalendo who are in the area and its surroundings. The evacuated populations are concentrated in bambo in schools and host families. 

The security situation in other areas remains calm this Monday morning.

M23 makes an official communication on this sunday's attacks

 

A Ugandan man commonly known by name as DINI is alleged detained in Rutshuru for sodomising a Congolese male juvenile

 I came to learn about this story some 24 hours ago that this notorious Ugandan man sodomized this young Congolese whom he had employed as a help in his shop at bunagana town council in kisoro district.This forced me to get my tools for an intelligence study and there are alot of reports that pin this man to this evil act of  gayism.There are alot of reports from DRC and Uganda that confirm that this man has sodomized many male youth and the victimised youth have not got justice.He has been arrested on several incidences but to later be released after paying bribes of 2m and above.But at this time Ugandan civilians from Bunagana,Muramba,nyarusiza ..are very happy that he has been detained in an area controlled by M23 where they convincingly believe that M23 will punish him well to stop that vice of sodomy.My Undercover investigative research in both bunagana of Uganda and DRC,shows that civilans know well that this man has been sodomizing the vulnerable youth and has several times paid bribes to go unpunished.One civilian from Bunagana of Uganda said "at least now since he has been arrested and taken tve o an area controlled by M23 he will have no chance to survive punishment".Actuality on ground is that people in Bunagana are happy that at this time they are sure that he will be punished since it will not be easy for him to bribe the M23 who are strict on the observation of civilian human rights.As I talk now,they are sayings and rumours that this man commonly known as DINI is either locked in one of the cells in Bunagana or Rutshuru but what all people pray for is M23 punishing him because it is alleged that in Uganda he has dubiously survived punishment after bribing law enforcers.

I was shocked that he even allegingly sodomized one of my relatives,a thing I came to learn of yesterday and to me personally i would wish M23 to punish him severely!And to me ,it is true that he is arrested and is in an area you control do not let go unpunished! 

I cannot establish some of the facts of my investigative study here.. but any one who feels can add on this story can push more info to my email...IThis idiot should be punished!!!! 

.....why has he sodomized many Ugandans for several times and all this time and yet non has talked about it???? Some of you are going to answer this and probably you will understand this that we write and why...,

...For God and My country

...........

US army officers on tour to assess the operations against Alshabaab

US Army officers visited the operation against Alshabaab Central Wiliyah today. US officials have been monitoring the ongoing offensive every 6 months for the past 26 months to ensure accountability of their mercenaries on this frontline.

Uganda and DRC agree to start Dermacation of common border in May 2025

 

The border demarcation work between the DRC and Uganda will begin in May 2025. Experts from the two countries agreed on this Friday, September 6 in Goma (North Kivu), at the end of three days of meetings of the DRC-Uganda Joint Technical Commission, responsible for the reconstruction of the common border. At the same time, they validated the sequential budgets for the said work, which will be financed by the governments of the two respective countries. 

After three days of intense work, budgets were drawn up for the reaffirmation of the common border. Experts from the DRC and Uganda agreed on the effective start of demarcation of the common border in May 2025.

The segments concerned are: Bwindi/Sarambwe - Mount Sabinyo; Kampala/Kinshasa Market (Kambala) - Lake Albert; Vurra/Offo - DRC-Uganda-South Sudan Trijunction and Lubiriya Lamia River - Marguerite Peak. 

“This report will provide measures or regulations and even the roadmap for the implementation of this reaffirmation of borders. Uganda, we are committed to the implementation of these efforts and we are sure to go all the way. I would also like to express my appreciation and gratitude to the Presidents Heads of State of the DRC and Uganda, their Excellencies Felix Tshisekedi and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for their commitment to ensuring the return of peace and security in the region. We are sure and certain that with good leadership at their level, there is nothing that cannot be resolved. Uganda and the DRC have a historic relationship and this will remain perpetually. We are brothers and sisters and we are committed to living together and if there is any problem, we will commit to finding a solution to it,” said Colonel Naboth Mwesigwa, head of the Ugandan delegation of experts. 

The delegation of Congolese experts was led by Vangu Mabiala Alphonse, Technical Director at the Permanent Border Commission at the Ministry of the Interior, assisted by Director Matthieu Mulala, responsible for border issues.

The Vice-Governor of North Kivu, Divisional Commissioner Jean Romuald Ekuka Lipopo, who officially closed this work, praised the firm determination of Presidents Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda to overcome the current difficulties through a diplomatic approach. 

"From the positive conclusions we have reached, the main thing in my eyes seems to be the solemn and reiterated confirmation of the firm will of our two brother countries to continue the work of demarcating our common border. And I remain convinced that our two countries will quickly implement the recommendations from this meeting. This reflects the enlightened vision and determination demonstrated by our two heads of state. Whatever the economic difficulties we are facing, it is always possible to overcome them through diplomatic approaches. This is an opportunity to thank and congratulate the experts of our two countries for having devoted their knowledge, energy and technical expertise to produce quality work in record time," said Divisional Commissioner Jean Romuald Ekuka Lipopo, Vice Governor of North Kivu. 

It should be noted that the budgets for the demarcation of the borders between the DRC and Uganda, at the level of Lake Albert and Lake Edward, have already been drawn up and are only awaiting funding from the governments of the two respective countries.

Congolese youth disguising as ADF have been arrested

The Congolese army announced that it had killed four rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebellion and freed nine hostages during "combat patrols" carried out from September 4 to 6 to the east of the town of Biakato and along the Samboko and Ituri rivers.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, army spokesman in the area, two attackers were killed on Wednesday, September 4, and two others on Friday, September 6. Nine hostages were freed from the hands of the rebels, including "two Ugandans," said Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, spokesman for Sokola 1 operations. 

Military effects and several items belonging to the attackers were recovered.

This is the first time that large-scale operations have been carried out by the coalition of Congolese and Ugandan armies in the Biakato and Samboko area. Villages where hundreds of civilian deaths have been reported by civil society over the past two years.

To successfully carry out these operations, the Congolese army is asking the population "to avoid going deep into the forest where the fighting is taking place" and to continue to accompany the two armies in order to prevent "the enemy from protecting the west of national roads number four and 44", adds Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay.

YOUTH DISGUISING AS ADF

The FARDC dismantled a group of young people who used to disguise themselves as ADF rebels in the Mayuwano area, an entity located in the Mambasa territory on national road No. 44, Beni-Mambasa axis.

According to Colonel Truno, commander on this axis, it was during the military operations carried out on the night of Thursday 5 to Friday 6 September 2024.

"They disguise themselves as "fake ADF", they arrive in a village and fire bullets so that civilians leave and stay harvesting cocoa and looting shops," he said.

These arrested civilians are almost all young people from the community, including three women, all handed over to the specialist services for the opening of legal files.

The army claims to have recovered weapons and military effects during this tracking operation.

As a reminder, the "fake ADF" phenomenon had become, these days, recurrent in Mambasa and Beni in North Kivu where the active forces had several times alerted the specialized services, calling on them to get involved in dislodging the perpetrators who plunder cocoa in the region. In their media outings, they had even asked the specialized services to regulate the cocoa purchasing sector to try to overcome the problem of fake ADF.