CMI hold 3 children over rebel links

Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) operatives have intercepted three children in Yumbe District on suspicion that they were being trafficked for rebel recruitment in DR Congo.

CMI took the children, aged 9, 11 and 13, who are from the same family in Piajo Village, Apo Sub-county, to the office of Resident District Commissioner (RDC) on Monday.

They then invited their relatives who recorded statements before the children were handed over to them.
Ms Ahmad Zabibu, the mother, said in February, her husband took the three children to Bweyale in Kiryandongo District for studies.

“My husband at first came and picked up the two children but since he had little money for transport, the other child was left behind. A week later, he sent money for the other child, so we sent him by bus to join his brothers in Bweyale,” Ms Zabibu said.
“We had been communicating with my husband about the children’s stay in Bweyale but later, he was no longer calling. A neighbour of my husband called us and said my husband, together with the children, had been arrested by security personnel,” Ms Zabibu narrated.

Mr Richard Andama, the RDC, claimed that the children were being ferried from Bweyale to DR Congo to be assimilated in the ADF rebel group operating in eastern Congo.

“Apo Sub-county has become a blackspot [for child trafficking] because there are other two children of Taban Siraji Ijosiga, who have crossed to DR Congo, and another three of one Azabo who were taken to Bweyale are missing. Many people from the area have been summoned to record statements,” he added.