UPDF Hands Over 50 Rescued Abductees to FARDC In Eastern DRC
Uganda People’s DefenceForces (UPDF) handed over 50 Congolese nationals to DR Congo authorities after they were rescued from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militias on 27th January 2024.The Congolese nationals, who included six young men, were reportedly abducted from their homes in different parts of DRC following rebel attacks.
Maj Gen Dick Olum addresses the Congolese nationals who were handed over to DRC authorities at Kasindi, DRC.
On January 27, 2024, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) freed fifty Congolese nationals from the militias of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), and turned them over to the authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Six young guys were among the Congolese citizens who were allegedly kidnapped from their homes in various DRC regions after rebel attacks.
The handover ceremony took place in Kasindi, North Kivu Province, with Major General Dick Olum, the overall Commander of Operation Shujaa, handing over the rescued individuals to Colonel Ekoko Bokeon, the FARDC Beni Sector Second in Command, who represented the Sector Commander.
Maj Olum revealed that the Congolese nationals were handed over after undergoing several months of rehabilitation at Bridge Way, an international humanitarian organization that is charged with reintegrating ex-combatants into the community.
“What we are doing here is not an exchange programme; we are rather just handing to the [Congolese] authorities these young men and women who had been abducted by the ADF to reunite with their families. We appreciate the fact that some were abducted against their will while others were just lured into this senseless war,” Maj Olum said.
The rescued Congolese being rehabilitated by UPDF at Kasindi, North Kivu, DRC.
He said among those handed over include those who recently met President Museveni at his home in Rwakitura.
He cautioned them against ever being lured into the “bush” again and advised them to engage in activities that would enable them boost their financial incomes.
This marks the third successful handover of rescued abductees by the UPDF to FARDC. In February and September 2023, 34 and 26 individuals were respectively returned, bringing the total number of liberated persons to 110 since the operation began.
Prior to their return, the former abductees received comprehensive support and skills training.
This included counselling, rehabilitation, and practical skills designed to help them reintegrate into their communities and build a brighter future.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Major General Olum encouraged the former abductees to become ambassadors of peace and utilise the knowledge and skills they acquired during their stay in Uganda to improve their lives and contribute to the prosperity of their communities.
Expressing her gratitude on behalf of her fellow abductees, one woman (name witheld) thanked the UPDF and FARDC for their tireless efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating them, ultimately enabling them to reunite with their families and loved ones.
The UPDF and FARDC continue a joint operation against the ADF, aiming to curb rebel activities and liberate civilians, ensuring lasting peace in eastern DRC.