FARDC Arrests Individuals Accused of Plotting to Bring M23 into Butembo and Beni

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have arrested “several people” accused of attempting to bring the M23 armed group into the cities of Butembo and Beni in the North Kivu province.

FARDC announced that these individuals were holding meetings to pave the way for M23 fighters to continue expanding their bases in this province and other parts of eastern DRC.

Kambale Amani, identified as a leader among them, was arrested in Beni on August 13, 2024. He is accused of sending a person named Nzanzu Valire Tshiani and Leza Kabengele to an M23 training camp located in Nyongera, in the Rutshuru territory.

Nzanzu Valire Tshiani is also among those arrested. FARDC explained that he was caught with three drones, a bulletproof helmet, and binoculars. He was allegedly encouraging the youth in Beni to join M23.

Other individuals arrested include Mbusa Sivulyamwenge, the leader of the AFDC party in Butembo, Tsiko Patrick, a former Deputy Mayor of Butembo, Kasereka Kavalami Charles, and Karusisi Fabrique. They are accused of providing support to M23 in both cities.

These arrests occurred as M23 has controlled the Kanyabayonga area, which is not far from Butembo and Beni, since late June 2024. FARDC announced plans to bring the suspects to trial.

31 Suspected ADF and Mai Mai Fighters Arrested

In Beni, 31 other individuals suspected of being fighters for the ADF, a terrorist group originating from Uganda, and Mai Mai, a militia group from DRC, were arrested.

One of them, named Abdallah Rashid, is an ADF fighter from Tanzania. FARDC stated that he was involved in the deaths and kidnappings of civil society members in Oicha, in the Mamove area.

Rashid was arrested while attempting to enter Beni, where he was planning to prepare terrorist attacks using explosives.

Another individual named Emmanuel Sanga, alias Benito, also from Tanzania, was arrested in Paida, on the Beni-Kasindi road. He is alleged to have played a significant role in the killings on this road and was planning to continue attacks in the city of Beni.

Another Tanzanian named Ramadan Saidi Abdallah Mbweni was arrested in Mamove. He was reportedly in charge of scouting locations where ADF planned to plant bombs in Beni.

Hassim Ramadan, a Kenyan national, was arrested on the Beni-Mavivi road with an AK-47 rifle and approximately 40 rounds of ammunition. FARDC explained that he was caught while attempting to enter Beni through the forest.

Several others arrested are Congolese nationals suspected of collaborating with ADF and Mai Mai. All of them are being prosecuted for terrorism-related charges.