DR CONGO ADVANCES REGIONAL STABILIZATION, P-DDRCS RELOCATES RED-TABARA EX-COMBATANTS TO SECURE SITE IN UVIRA
Uvira, November 13, 2025 — The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken another decisive step in regional peacebuilding with the successful relocation of 19 foreign ex-combatants from the Red-Tabara group, along with 19 dependents—including 5 women and 14 children—to a newly secured site in Kilomoni, Uvira, South Kivu province.
This operation was led by Mr. Odifax Akilimali, Acting Provincial Coordinator of the P-DDRCS South Kivu, and reflects the country’s commitment to coordinated stabilization and humanitarian protection. The relocation follows the regional agreements concluded during the Subregional Contact Group meeting held in Bujumbura in November 2024, involving the DRC, Burundi, and neighboring states. The repatriation mechanism to Burundi is underway, pending the establishment of a reception structure on the Burundian side.
Mr. Akilimali commended the collaboration of all stakeholders, particularly the partner JSD, for their support in ensuring the safe transfer of these individuals. He emphasized the urgent need for holistic care, including health services and clothing, given the vulnerability of women and children, especially to waterborne diseases.
These voluntary surrenders were the result of awareness campaigns conducted by P-DDRCS facilitators and partners, demonstrating the effectiveness of the program in reducing the presence of foreign armed groups on Congolese soil.
This initiative highlights the national leadership of the DRC in managing cross-border conflict dynamics and reinforces the strategic role of the P-DDRCS as a sovereign stabilization mechanism, in line with Presidential Ordinance No. 21/038. It also strengthens regional cooperation and consolidates security and humanitarian governance in sensitive areas of South Kivu.
P-DDRCS Communications Unit
