Congo, March 31 – Thomas Lubanga, a convicted war criminal based in Uganda, has declared the formation of a new rebel movement aimed at overthrowing the government in the conflict-ridden Ituri province of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The development adds another layer of instability to a region already plagued by armed violence.
Lubanga, the former leader of the Union of Congolese Patriots (UPC), was the first individual convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2012 on charges of recruiting child soldiers. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison and released in 2020. Following his release, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi appointed him to a task force dedicated to restoring peace in Ituri.
However, in 2022, Lubanga was kidnapped and held hostage for two months by an armed group, an incident he attributes to government involvement. He has since relocated to Uganda, where he has now announced the formation of the new rebel movement, the Patriotic Resistance Coalition (CPR).
In written responses to Reuters, Lubanga stated that the CPR consists of both political and military components, with armed forces reportedly operating in three areas of Ituri province.
The emergence of the CPR raises concerns over further destabilization in a region already grappling with persistent armed conflict involving various militias and ethnic factions. The Congolese government has yet to respond to Lubanga’s announcement.
.png)
The opinions posted here do not belong to 🔰www.indiansdaily.com. The author is solely responsible for the opinions.
As per the IT policy of the Central Government, insults against an individual, community, religion or country, defamatory and inflammatory remarks, obscene and vulgar language are punishable offenses. Legal action will be taken for such expressions of opinion.