DR Congo army launches operation to track militia group

A special unit of the DR Congo army on Monday launched operations to track down Mai Mai Nyatura militia in North Kivu province, east of the country.

The military operations essentially targeted Bashali-Mokoto unit in Masisi territory, local sources said.

Other police sources said the operation immediately led to the liberation of Busumba locality from the hands of the militia group, whereas in other localities, the Mai Mai fighters withdrew themselves before the arrival of the army.

For several months, Mai Mai militia have been occupying Bashali-Mokoto villages, forcing the displacement of thousands of local residents who fled to other villages.

Following the launch of the operation, civil society groups in Masisi territory have urged the Democratic Republic of Congo army not to leave the previously occupied villages to prevent the militia group from returning. Endit