52 Hostages Held By Mai-Mai Rebels Regain Freedom

Among the released civilians were children, women and old persons.

Those released have been taken to the displaced persons camp of Mushimbambya in Baraka, accompanied by their chief and civil society officials.

Release of the hostages followed an instruction by Kibukila Mtetezi, the leader of the  Mai-Mai militia but several other hostages, especially young people were executed, HumAngle learnt. 

“My three children were killed. Accompanied by children and women, they took us to Kakuku. During the night they came and separated us from our four boys and took them to an unknown destination,” narrated Chief Kakongo Bitandar of Kivumu village who was among the hostages. 

“We were liberated after the involvement of the Mai-Mai chief Kibukila Mtetezi who was not in support of the attacks in the first place. They say they have been killing us because we the Banyamulenge are Rwandans and peace would return the day we return to Rwanda.”

The Mai-Mai Bilozebishambuke, led by Assani Mbakanya have since Oct. 13, 2021 been attacking villages in the lower Fizi plateau. They have  killed at least 30 persons and carted away cattle.

It is estimated that about 8,000 persons fleeing clashes between Mai-Mai militias and the Twigwaneheo group in the lower Fizi plateau have since last week arrived and are now living in different quarters of Baraka in South Kivu.

The Communication Unit of the Mayor’s Office says the majority of the displaced persons have been welcomed into private homes while others are housed in the Mushimbakye camp without the necessary humanitarian assistance.