Civil society executive arrested over ADF links

Authorities in eastern DR Congo have arrested a civil society executive for allegedly having links with the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

Sources revealed that Martin Kawubula Kambale, the president of the civil society in Mbau, Beni territory, was arrested by security forces in Ngazi village on Saturday December 18.

Since November 30, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Congolese army have intensified joint military operations against ADF rebels.

Hundreds have so far been killed, while over 60 rebels have surrendered.

The arrest of Kambale was confirmed by Capt. Antony Mwalushay, the Congolese army spokesperson for Sokola 1 large North operational sector in Kivu province.

“Supposedly the defender of the rights of the population, this civil society executive is accused of being in constant contact with the ADF rebels, who are perpetrators of several killings of innocent civilians in Beni and Ituri,” Mwalushay was quoted saying.

Following the bombardment of the ADF camps in Eastern DR Congo, the rebels have since reportedly fled towards River Semliki.

At least six ADF camps have so far been hit during the ongoing joint military operation by UPDF and the Congolese army.

Sources in Eastern DR Congo revealed that the recent camps were hit near Kainama area in the Beni-Mbau sector, forcing the ADF fighters to flee towards River Semliki.

“The only escape route they have is around Kitchanga-Mujemukaone, and they have to use canoes to cross River Semliki. This means they are headed towards the chiefdom of Watalinga in Bahumu,” the source revealed.

Shared by DR Congo and Uganda, River Semliki is estimated to be 140km long.

It flows northwards from Lake Edward and winds through Beni Territory in North Kivu, before it empties its waters into Lake Albert.

Uganda and DR Congo have since signed joint agreements, including how to finance the operation against the ADF, who are now linked to the Islamic State.

The pounding of ADF camps by the joint force of UPDF and the Congolese army in the morning of November 30, left the terrorist group’s fighters in disarray.

During the air and artillery operation codenamed ‘Shujaa’, several ADF camps in eastern DR Congo were bombed and captured.

The attacks followed an agreement between Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and his DR Congo counterpart, Felix Tshisekedi.

For months now, ADF rebels have been attacking and butchering Congolese residents, forcing hundreds of them to flee to Uganda.

Ugandan security has since intensified the screening of refugees entering the country following reports that ADF elements were using the opportunity to as well cross into Uganda.

Over 50 suspected ADF elements have so far been arrested during operations within Uganda.

The ADF were reportedly entering the country disguising themselves as refugees.

In Uganda, the ADF rebels have recently been responsible for a series of bomb attacks, in which four suicide bombers died. Some other five innocent lives perished in the attacks, which also left many with injuries.

The ADF terrorists first attacked Digida pork joint in Komamboga, Kawempe division, on October 23 where one person perished.

Later on October 25, a suicide bomber who was aboard a Bushenyi-bound bus died after a bomb he was carrying exploded at Lungala in Mpigi district.

On November 16, two bombs exploded simultaneously at Central Police Station and at Jubilee House along Parliament Avenue.

In these attacks, seven people died including three suicide bombers.

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