UPDF and FARDC free over 100 who had been held hostages by ADF

The joint FARDC-UPDF forces, engaged in the hunt for Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, freed 117 hostages in the depths of the Mont Hoyo forest in the Walese-Vonkutu chiefdom in the south of the Irumu territory (Ituri), on the night of Wednesday 30 to Thursday 31 October 2024.

Our intelligence  sources confirm that among the freed hostages are 88 men, 25 women and 4 children who managed to escape during the bombing of the positions of these jihadists in the forest of Mont Hoyo, about ten kilometers south-east of Komanda center.

These hostages traveled more than 10 kilometers and spent the night in the Kipeyayo district located south of Komanda, before being recovered this Thursday, October 31, in the morning hours, by the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) for questioning and identification.

These people were captured in the recent attacks, which targeted several villages in the chiefdom of Walese-Vonkutu and the neighboring territory of Mambasa on the RN4 before crossing the Ituri River, passing through the village of Mungamba, the same sources confirm.

The civil society of the Irumu territory, which also confirms the news, congratulates the bravery of the pooled forces and calls on them to intensify their operations in towns plagued by insecurity.

"We salute the bravery of the FARDC-UPDF joint forces who presented the expected result. We ask them not to stop patrols and lies in areas where the enemy roams here and there," pleaded Pascal Kisezo, coordinator of the said citizen structure.

It should be recalled that the FARDC-UPDF joint forces launched artillery against the ADF rebel positions, located in the Mont Hoyo forest, since 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. This, after the new attack by these rebels reported in the villages of Bambuo and Bukoko, causing 3 deaths and the burning of at least 15 huts.

Operation SHUJAA:UPDF and FARDC disarm and neutralize Kabido's men in Lukobati

According to military intelligence sources,14 combatants of the armed group belonging to KABIDO, were disarmed by the FARDC and UPDF soldiers during a reconnaissance patrol in LUKOBATI northwest of BEU-MANYAMA near the ITURI river.

Will the Tejas Jet bring hope to people from North Kivu

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s air force (FAC) is actively seeking to modernize its fleet, and India has become a focal point in their quest for advanced military aircraft. In August, a high-profile delegation from the FAC visited New Delhi to engage in discussions about the potential acquisition of the Tejas Mk1 multi-role aircraft. This visit marks a significant step in DR Congo’s efforts to replace its ageing fleet of Soviet-origin aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-25s FrogFoot.

The Congolese air force chief, alongside other defence officials, held extensive talks with representatives from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), including notable aviation engineer Kota Harinarayana. The discussions centered around the performance and capabilities of the Tejas Mk1, and its potential to serve as a long-term replacement for the FAC’s existing Sukhoi Su-25s.

The FAC currently operates a diverse array of aircraft, including the Sukhoi Su-25, MiG-23, and Mil Mi-24 helicopters. The introduction of the Tejas Mk1 would represent a significant upgrade, bringing in more advanced technology and enhanced combat capabilities. This shift is seen as crucial for DR Congo to maintain a robust and modern air force capable of addressing contemporary security challenges.

The security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is volatile. Conflict between government forces and armed groups in the east is ongoing.

Furthermore, according to the United Nations, Uganda is backing M23 rebels fighting across its border in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN also warns that a rapidly escalating crisis “carried the risk of triggering a wider regional conflict”.

The Rwandan army is supporting M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo, using sophisticated weapons such as surface-to-air missiles. In January last year, Rwanda’s defense force shot at a Democratic Republic of Congo Sukhoi Su-25 ground attack jet with man portable air defence weapon (MANPAD) that allegedly violated its airspace, as tensions between the neighboring countries escalate.

India’s Role in the Arms Trade

India has been making concerted efforts to expand its footprint in the global arms trade, aiming to compete with established players like Russia and China. By focusing on the African market, India hopes to provide cost-effective and reliable defence solutions to countries that may find Western-made equipment prohibitively expensive. The Tejas Mk1, developed and manufactured domestically, is a prime example of India’s capability to produce sophisticated and affordable military hardware.

The Appeal of Tejas Mk1

The Tejas Mk1’s appeal lies in its advanced avionics, multi-role capabilities, and affordability. For African militaries, such as the FAC, these attributes make it an attractive option. India’s commitment to providing maintenance and support further enhances the reliability and cost-effectiveness of its defence systems.

Strengthening Ties and Market Presence

India’s strategy extends beyond just selling equipment; it aims to build long-term partnerships and establish a solid presence in the African defence market. By engaging with countries like DR Congo, India seeks to not only sell more of its domestically produced hardware but also gain access to new markets and strengthen its global influence.

Although, more than one year has past, and no sign of India’s affordable weapons to African forces.

On one hand, India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk 2 programme is languishing without funding, months after the project was approved by New Delhi. The Tejas Mk 2 is intended to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with a 4.5-generation medium-weight-class fighter aircraft. The aircraft is designed to be an improvement over the fourth-generation Tejas Mk 1 aircraft currently in IAF service.

Meanwhile, the Botswana Defence Force is in talks with India’s state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with a view to acquiring several of its Tejas fighter planes.

In a move aimed at enhancing its defence capabilities, the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) is currently engaged in talks with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India’s state-owned aerospace and defense company.

M23 truck falls into a wazalendo ambush in Katale

There are Rumours of   military truck from the Rwandan army RDF that was leaving Rumangabo for Rutshuru center which fell into the ambush of wazalendo in katale near the lime manufacturing site after Bituma.

Several members of M23 are reportedly dead, injured and kidnapped claims some sources (unconfirmed).

Will Google afford to pay the $2000000000000000000000000000000000(20 Decillion )fine???

 

A Russian court has handed Google an astronomical $20 decillion fine—an amount that vastly exceeds the total money supply in the world—after the tech giant blocked accounts belonging to several pro-Kremlin TV channels on YouTube.

The case, which has captured global attention due to the unprecedented figure involved, reflects growing tensions between Google and Russia following international sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict.

The lawsuit was brought forward by 17 Russian broadcasters, including Russia 1 and the platform of Russia Today presenter Margarita Simonyan, a vocal supporter of President Putin. Google’s YouTube removed these accounts under sanctions, prompting Moscow judges to impose a punitive fine described by the judge as “a case in which there are many, many zeros,” according to Russian news outlet RBC.

Initially, the fine was set at 100,000 rubles daily, doubling every 24 hours since 2020. The resulting penalty has now swelled to $20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000—far surpassing Google’s total revenue of $88.2 billion and market valuation of $2 trillion, and dwarfing the global economy’s estimated worth of around $100 trillion, according to the World Bank.

Despite the mounting pressure, Google has shown little sign of compliance, noting in its latest earnings report that “these ongoing legal matters” are unlikely to impact its operations materially. Google wound down its Russian division in 2022, declaring bankruptcy for its subsidiary Google LLC in Russia, although it continues to provide services like its search engine and YouTube.

In contrast, other platforms, such as Twitter and Facebook, have been outright banned by Russian authorities, although Google’s services remain accessible. YouTube’s removal of pro-Moscow content has particularly irked the Kremlin, especially bans on propaganda platforms like Tsargrad TV, owned by oligarch Konstantin Malofeev.

The colossal sum, which stands as one of the largest penalties in legal history, may be more symbolic than practical given Google’s limited assets in Russia. Yet, as Russia’s legal strategy continues to escalate, the tech giant appears unfazed, its team noting that the situation is unlikely to reach a fine as high as a “googol”—a figure equal to 10 followed by 100 zeros.

Police launches security sweeps in mogadishu

 Police in Mogadishu launched major security sweeps across districts and outskirts on Wednesday, intensifying operations against Al-Shabaab militants. Authorities are cracking down amid rising efforts to boost security in the capital. Somalia.

From Kinshasha to Kampala and then to Bujumbura...what is Tshisekedi calculating at this time?

 The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi, arrived in Entebbe, Uganda, on Wednesday for a working visit of a few hours with his counterpart, President Yoweri Museveni.

Welcomed at the airport by the Ugandan Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, President Tshisekedi went to State House Entebbe where he was received by his host.

The two heads of state immediately began a one-on-one meeting focused on security in Eastern DRC.

The discussions are expected to address joint military operations between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces.

The two principals are also anticipated to brainstorm on the M23 rebellion which has left a trail of destruction in North Kivu.

Also possible on the agenda is the joint plans by DRC and Uganda to build roads in North Kivu to boost regional trade and security.

The infrastructure projects have been affected by insecurity in the area.

This meeting comes two weeks after a gathering in Kinshasa between senior military officials from both countries to assess the effectiveness of operations against armed groups in the region.

The Congolese Minister of Infrastructure, Alexis Gisaro, as well as the Chief of Staff of the FARDC and other members of the presidential cabinet are accompanying the Congolese head of state during this mission in Uganda.

To Bujumbura:

From Kampala,President Félix Tshisekedi arrived this Wednesday in Bujumbura, Burundi, to take part in the 23rd summit of Heads of State and Government of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) which took place opens this Thursday October 31, 2024.

FARDC's commander of the 137th regiment reportedly defected to M23

Colonel Gilbert ekombe the commander of the 137th regiment based luberiki grouping  in walikale defected with his troops and joined the M23.These rebels are reportedly eyeing the city of kisangani.

Can the gorvement of Rwanda incarcerate a civilian because of tweets?

 There is rumour that a certain Francis Mushinzimana has been missing for nearly a fortnight,none knows his where about.There are claims that state security agents may have arrested him because of his tweets that apparently unveil some wrongs on government policies .His latest tweet was on the ownership of the Presidential jet that may have finally cemented the long awaited need for his arrest.Many claim that he is blamed for siding with Wazalendo,trying to blame Rwanda's relationship with neighbours,supporting FDLR and supporting Ingabire Victoire among others.Below are some of the tweets he did over time that may have landed him in trouble!

M23 captures a new significant entry point in Walikale

 Intense clashes broke out this Sunday, October 20, between the M23 rebels and the Wazalendo resistance fighters in the town of Kalembe, located between the territories of Masisi and Walikale. This attack was marked by an advance of M23 elements, who, for the first time according to our sources, managed to occupy part of the territory of Walikale, a sector hitherto spared by their military advance.

This is the very first entity in the Walikale territory (North Kivu) to be conquered by the rebels since the start of the conflict at the end of 2021.

According to intelligence Sources we gathered from Saturday  evening and on site reports say that the hostilities were launched around 4am this Sunday by a group of rebels, who allegedly came from Kashuga, and who allegedly set fire to a Wazalendo position of the NDC-Renové and APCLS group.

The news is corroborated by MP Willy Mishiki, elected member from Walikale. The latter fears the rebels' breakthrough towards the neighboring provinces of Tshopo, South Kivu and Maniema.

" The war in the East has just taken a decisive turn today with the fall of the town of Kalembe this Sunday at 9am. It is the first village reached by the aggressors and their puppets in the territory of Walikale, the last barrier to reach the provinces of Tshopo, South Kivu and Maniema with a conflagration effect towards other provinces of the country. Kalembe is a very strategic town, providing access to Lubero and Rutshuru and Tshopo via the Oninga grouping ," warns the national deputy.

The Wazalendo, deprived of weapons, retreated to the hills overlooking the locality, said the same source, which called on the National Assembly to urgently look into the matter.

The Walikale territory is now the 5th in North Kivu to be affected by the conflict after Rutshuru, Masisi, Lubero and Nyiragongo, despite the state of siege declared in early May 2021.

Furthermore, the territory of Beni, towards the north, remains the scene of terrorist attacks maintained by the ADF. Only the cities of Goma, Butembo and Beni, equally threatened by urban crime, still remain symbolic of the authorities of the state of siege.

On the ground, the Congolese army is still observing a ceasefire decreed by the Luanda peace process since August 4.

" This abandonment of the ex-Wazalendo risks complicating the situation on the ground while our government is distracted by the ceasefire in Luanda while our enemies are recovering areas and the FARDC are no longer fighting ," fears Willy Mishiki.

On Saturday, October 12, during the 5th ministerial meeting in Luanda, Congolese and Rwandan delegates agreed to work on a harmonized plan to neutralize the FDLR rebels as well as the lifting of Rwandan defense measures, without clearly mentioning the start of hostilities against the M23.

While the Congolese government, through Judith Suminwa, relayed that in Luanda, Kigali had agreed to withdraw its 4,000 soldiers present on Congolese soil, Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, denied this, continuing to deny the presence of soldiers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The fighting, which began in the morning, involved several surrounding villages, including Bwito, Ibuga-Kashuga, Kitunda and Ihula, with Kalembe as the main scene of clashes. Around 10 a.m., our Intelligence sources confirmed the occupation of Kalonge, part of Kalembe, by M23 forces. The latter came from Kashuga and launched attacks on these different fronts,with claims of reinforcements in men and combat equipment from Rwanda. These clashes were accompanied by a human toll marked by injuries among civilians: two young boys were were hit by stray bullets during the exchanges of fire. Many civilians took refuge in health facilities, others holed up in their homes, while some fled into the bush to escape the fighting. The occupation of Kalembe by the M23, an entry point into the territory of Walikale, is an unprecedented fact. This reveals not only the geographical extension of the zone of influence of this rebel group, but also the growing fragility of the region in the face of armed violence.