DR Congo Army Arrests Mai-Mai Leader
A leading rebel accused of orchestrating the mass killings of civilians has been arrested by the army
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national army, the FARDC, has confirmed the arrest of the leader of the Mai-Mai Kyandenga, Jean-Baptiste Kupaku alias Kyandenga.
Jean-Baptiste Kupaku was arrested Sunday 18 Sept in Butembo town along with his bodyguards, according to spokesperson of the army, Captain Anthony Mwalushayi.
Kupaku was planning to attack civilians in the town of Butembo, Capt Mwalushayi said.
The Kyandenga militia group is accused of being behind several attacks in the west of Oicha and in part of the neighbouring province of Ituri.
Several military experts say Kupaku is considered the right hand man of the ADF combatants since he pledged allegiance to the rebel group. He is accused of having carried out an attack on the Kangbayi central prison in October 2020 leading to the escape of hundreds of inmates.
Mai-Mai is the name given to local militias in the region.
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