Insecurity in the eastern provinces Democratic Republic of Congo continues to grow as the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP) continues its violent campaign in North Kivu and Ituri Provinces. The militants have been attacking churches, military bases as well as civilian villages.
The militants displayed ghanimah seized from the Congolese Army in Ituri after a raid. The pictures circulated on social media included at least twenty-four AKM/Type 56 pattern rifles, likely Chinese RPD, 8x DZP1C-40 RPG projectiles, OG-7V pattern RPG projectiles, mortar rounds, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
Intelligence in the region indicates that the Congolese military has been demotivated especially financially and as such, they are unlikely to defend their positions. Hence, ISCAP has been taking advantage as the military more often than not deserts their posts leaving the weapons and other supplies for the militants.
It is paramount that the DRC government motivate its military to ensure that while there is still an active military presence, the militants have been taking advantage of the challenges, attacking North Kivu and Ituri Provinces and amercing military-grade weapons. The continued seizures of weapons and ammo continue to widen the gap in CT war and will only make the TO stronger and harder to quash.
