After driving 30 kilometres (20 miles), stopping at four illegal tolls manned by Congolese army soldiers, inner tubes stretched between stakes mark the entrance to the FRPI domain. The FRPI signed a demobilization agreement with the Congolese state in February 2020, but seven months later the process fell apart after provocation blamed on both sides. At the southern end of Walendu Bindi chiefdom, an FRPI position dominates a deforested plain. State of siegeIn November and December, the Ugandan army shelled what it described as ADF strongholds around Tchabi. “Until the beginning of December, there were only six Congolese soldiers for the entire chiefdom of Tchabi,” said Augustin, a member of the Hutu community.

Source: The Guardian January 22, 2022 09:59 UTC