CODECO Rebels Release Negotiators Held Hostage Since February
The group of negotiators were abducted since Feb. 16, by CODECO rebels, and have since been released in batches, with the last four released now.
The last of the eight negotiators dispatched by President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo to Ituri to negotiate peace with Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) rebels taken hostage on Feb. 16, 2022 by the rebels, have been released.
Thomas Lubanga, Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force, Floribert Ndjabu, Assistant Coordinator of the Task Force, and Colonels Lobo Kamuhanda and Lobo Potsi were released on Tuesday, April 12, by the CODECO rebels.
The news was confirmed by Pitchou Iribi, spokesperson of the Task Force, without giving further details right now.
The eight were held hostage in the Bambu region of Djugu territory and four had earlier been released.
Lt. Jules Ngongo, the spokesperson of the military in Ituri, said the former hostages have been taken to the military high command in Bunia.
There are indications that they met with the military governor of Ituri later Tuesday night.
Four other hostages, namely former parliamentarian Dhetchuvi Matchu, Gen. Germain Katanga, the president of the Union of Cultural Associations for the Development of Ituri, Ayendu Bin Ekwale and a driver had earlier been released.
The eight emissaries of President Felix Tshisekedi were in Djugu to negotiate the disarmament of militia active in Djugu territory in eastern DR Congo.
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