The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) say they have arrested “Odon,” a leader of the Mobondo militia, along with his seven bodyguards during a military operation in Kwamouth Territory, Maï-Ndombe Province. The announcement was made on Monday, July 27.
According to the army’s spokesperson for Operation Ngemba, Captain Antony Mualushayi, Odon was previously a member of the Mobondo rebellion and a disciple of militia leader “Cobra.” He later broke away to establish his own armed group operating in the Luani area, where he is accused of carrying out attacks and terrorizing civilians, particularly farmers.
The FARDC said Odon had ignored repeated government calls to demobilize and instead continued armed activities in Kwamouth.
The eight detainees are being held for questioning before being transferred to Kinshasa to face legal proceedings.
The arrest comes as Congolese authorities continue operations against the remaining Mobondo fighters.
In recent months, hundreds of Mobondo combatants have reportedly surrendered and large quantities of weapons have been handed over to the army as part of the government’s disarmament campaig.
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