In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Bakata Katanga phenomenon continues. On a regular basis, these militiamen with a presumed separatist tendency are making intrusions in some cities in the former province of Katanga.
They claim that they are fighting for the restoration of the independent state of Katanga, which was proclaimed in July 1960. Several dozen of them were arrested in April by the police with the help of the population.
Imprisoned in a barracks in Lubumbashi, 82 soldiers from two different groups, but with the same goal, were presented to the press.
The first group was arrested on April 18 in a church in Rwashi municipality, led by a friendly leader from Haut-Lomami. According to a military spokesman, this first group was preparing to attack the city of Lubumbashi.
The second group of 35 militia leaders led by a witch doctor from the same region was arrested on the night of April 21-22 in the Kamasaka district. All were naked and accused with the prospect of launching another attack on the capital of Haut-Katanga province, according to the army.
For the record, on February 14, Bakata attacked Katanga Lubumbashi. Among the prisoners captured by the army was Jacques Mugabo, one of the refugees accused and convicted in the absence of the double murder of human rights defenders, Floribert Chebeya and Fidèle Bazana.
According to a security source, Mugabo acknowledged that he was protected by the general John Numbi Banza Tambo, now on the run and wanted by military justice also for having organized this militia destabilizing Haut-Katanga.
