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The city of Pinga in northern Kivu was in July and August 2020 the scene of collisions between two factions of the armed group Nduma Defense of Congo-Rénové (NDC-R) led by Guidon Shimiray and Gilbert Bwira. The situation calmed down. There are fewer large-scale attacks on the city, but uncertainty is still present.
With our special correspondent in Pinga, Patient Ligodi
An uncertain calm is observed in Pinga. Residents who fled the clashes are back. The army, police and local authorities are very happy, but the situation around the city of North Kivurest is worrying. Armed men are still widespread. As a result, thousands of people living in the villages in the area come closer to Pinga where there is a base for the UN mission in the country, MONUSCO.
Among these displaced people is Pierre, a resident of the region, who testifies: “If you get closer to Basirua, you will find militiamen loyal to Gilbert Bwira. About five kilometers from the town of Pinga, there are APCLS fighters (Alliance of Patriots for a Free and Sovereign Congo, a Mai-Mai milits, Editor’s note). A little further on, there are also militia members under the command of Guidon Shimiray. There is no peace. ”
The Shimiray regime hunted
Among the perpetrators of this insecurity are therefore the men from Guidon Shimiray, who is at the head of a wing of the Nduma defense in Congo-Rénové (NDC-R). This militia leader who once benefited from the greatness of some army officers, according to several investigations, is now being hunted. Since 2018, he has been the target of UN Security Council sanctions. An arrest warrant from the North Kivu Operational Military Court was even issued against him.
Carly Nzanzu Kasivita, governor of North Kivu, confirms the determination of the authorities: “We are looking for him. And as soon as a source, whether it is the FARDC, the police, even civilians, can give us information to find out where he is hiding, we will really arrest him. “
Meanwhile, the surroundings of Pinga are still a dangerous area for its inhabitants.
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