On Sunday, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced the capture of four young men who allegedly admitted to receiving military training in Uganda under the coordination of Thomas Lubanga Dyilo, leader of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC).
According to the DRC military, the suspects were apprehended in Rutshuru and later transported to Bunia in the Ituri province, where they were presented to the media on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Radio Okapi reported that the four detainees claimed they went to Uganda for military training with the intention of returning to the DRC to fight against the government. After completing their training, they were facilitated to return to the DRC, specifically to Tchanzu in Rutshuru Territory, North Kivu province, where they allegedly launched attacks.
Lieutenant Jules Ngong, a spokesperson for the DRC army operating in Ituri, stated that the suspects were captured on the battlefield and transferred from Ituri to North Kivu through coordinated efforts between local authorities in both regions.
Lt. Ngong said, “They arrived here on Sunday to undergo thorough investigations so we can neutralize all those collaborating with M23 by recruiting fighters for them.”
He identified Thomas Lubanga, Dr. Tungulo, and David Unyerto as key figures allegedly involved in recruiting fighters for M23.
A recent UN expert report implicated Thomas Lubanga in activities fueling the conflict in the region, though members of his party denied the allegations.
The M23 rebel group has not yet issued a statement regarding whether the captured individuals are indeed part of their forces.
