Submit this form
Home News Videos Music Photos Facebook Twitter Friends Newsletter Podcasts Mobile RSS
Nearly 200 Mayi-Mayi combatants surrender in Katanga

KINSHASA, 8 May 2006 (IRIN) - Close to 200 Mayi-Mayi fighters have surrendered with their weapons to United Nations peacekeeping troops in north and central Katanga Province, in the southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Kemal Saiki, spokesman for the UN Mission in the DRC , said a large number of child soldiers were among the group. They surrendered on Saturday at Mitwaba, 700km north of Lubumbashi, the capital of Katanga.

On Monday, the peacekeepers handed over some of the Mayi-Mayi to the regular army. "Among them are 50 men and 100 women and children," said Jean-Willy Mutombo, spokesman for the chief of general staff of the national army.

Mutombo said the leader of the group, who is known as Gedeon, had expressed a desire to surrender but wanted guarantees of his security before doing so. Gedeon also wanted to see how those who surrendered were treated before considering his own capitulation.

"Only about another 200 Mayi-Mayi men are left, and they cannot hold out for much longer," Mutombo said.

Northern and central Katanga has been the scene of widespread insecurity that threatens to jeopardise the upcoming presidential and general elections, due to begin on 30 July. The Mayi-Mayi, formerly allied with the government in its war against rebels in the east of the country, has been slow to disarm, despite a government order. The government launched an operation in November 2005 to disarm all rebel and foreign groups in DRC. Aid agencies estimate that the fighting has displaced 150,000 people.

The disarmament effort could help create an environment conducive to the elections. Voter registration has not taken place in some areas of north and central Katanga because of the insecurity.


Related articles


  1. Moise Katumbi blocked from entering DR Congo (August 3, 2018)
  2. At least 60 killed as train derails in Katanga province (April 23, 2014)
  3. Opposition Supporters Step Up Attacks on Congolese Officials Abroad (February 28, 2012)
  4. Kabila's Senior Advisor Katumba Mwanke Dies in Plane Crash (February 12, 2012)
  5. Supreme Court Rules Joseph Kabila Won Presidential Election (December 16, 2011)
  6. Kabila Leads Partial Election Results (December 3, 2011)
  7. Vote Counting Underway after Mostly Peaceful Elections (November 29, 2011)
  8. Candidates to Make Last Stand in Kinshasa before Monday's Election (November 26, 2011)
  9. Tshisekedi: UDPS Has Never Been for a Joint Opposition Candidacy (November 19, 2011)
  10. On the Campaign Trail, Kabila, Tshisekedi Cross Paths in Eastern Congo (November 15, 2011)
  11. UN advises prudent use of abundant resources to spur development (October 10, 2011)
  12. The Government Will Ensure Peaceful Elections, Says Spokesman (October 6, 2011)
  13. 19,497 Candidates to Run for 500 Seats in Parliament (September 26, 2011)
  14. Kabila's Election Speech Leads to Judges' Strike (September 20, 2011)
  15. Tshisekedi Draws Huge Crowds in Kinshasa (August 10, 2011)
  16. Global Witness welcomes DR Congo's decision to publish resource contracts (June 3, 2011)
  17. Militiamen Sent to Testify in Warlords Trials at ICC (March 28, 2011)
  18. ICC Dismisses Jean-Pierre Bemba's Appeal on Admissibility of His Case (October 19, 2010)
  19. FDLR leader Callixte Mbarushimana arrested in France on ICC warrant (October 11, 2010)
  20. TP Mazembe boss fumes over ban (September 14, 2010)
  21. TP Mazembe boss oozes confidence (September 9, 2010)
  22. ICC orders the release of Thomas Lubanga (July 15, 2010)
  23. ICC rejects Germain Katanga's motion to suspend trial (July 12, 2010)
  24. Lumumba's Family Seeks Justice in Former Congo Prime Minister's Killing (June 22, 2010)
  25. Congo's Resources: Who Benefits? (June 5, 2010)
  26. The ICC signs enforcement agreements with Belgium, Denmark, and Finland (June 1, 2010)
  27. 54 FDLR Rebels Relocated from North Kivu to Katanga (May 4, 2010)
  28. DR Congo bans export of concentrated mineral products from Katanga (April 12, 2010)
  29. Katanga Governor Says Not Running for 2011 Presidential Elections (March 30, 2010)
  30. Brussels Airlines to form a new airline company in DR Congo (December 16, 2009)


Live TV Congo Radio en ligne Radio
Available on App Store
Get it on Google Play



Contact Us | About Us | Édition en Français | French Edition

© CongoPlanet.com. All rights reserved.