Thomas Lubanga, a former warlord convicted by the International Criminal Court, has formalized, from Uganda, the creation of a politico-military movement in Ituri, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This announcement raises concerns about a possible escalation of violence in the eastern part of the vast central African country.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

From Kampala, Uganda, Thomas Lubanga has formalized the creation of his politico-military movement, the « Convention for the Popular Revolution » (CRP). This former International Criminal Court (ICC) convict has been in the company of numerous Ituri leaders for several days.

With an armed wing called the « Forces for the Popular Revolution » (FRP), the CRP claims to want to « take back the destiny of Ituri province. » According to the movement, the government of this province is dominated by political figures from the west of the country, accused of corruption, embezzlement, and impunity.

Accusations against Kinshasa

Lubanga accuses the Congolese authorities of « turning a blind eye » to the massacres and abuses perpetrated by armed groups such as CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of Congo) and the Ugandan militias ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) against civilians, particularly women and children. He believes this inaction is worsening the humanitarian and security situation in Ituri.

The CRP also accuses certain politicians of exploiting community tensions for personal gain, thus contributing to « human balkanization » and a process of dehumanization of the Ituri population.

A « popular revolution » to restore order?

For the founders of the CRP, the Kinshasa government has failed to restore order in Ituri, giving way to governance marked by corruption and predatory behavior. They therefore consider their movement a « popular revolution, » which they present as the only way out of the current chaos in the province.

However, some political analysts and security experts believe that the CRP risks exacerbating the proliferation of armed groups in the eastern part of the country. This region is already in the grip of violent fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels, who now control large parts of the eastern provinces.

Who is Thomas Lubanga?

Thomas Lubanga was arrested during the night of March 16-17, 2006, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and transferred to the detention center of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. The first individual to be indicted by the ICC, his charges were confirmed on January 29, 2007.

Lubanga was prosecuted for war crimes, including the enlistment and conscription of children under the age of 15. His trial took place from January 26, 2009, to August 26, 2011. On March 14, 2012, the ICC found him guilty of these crimes and sentenced him, on July 10, 2012, to 14 years in prison.

His sentence took effect upon his arrest, and he was released on March 15, 2020. In 2017, the ICC sentenced him to pay $10 million in compensation to victims, an amount that the Trust Fund for Victims was to partially cover due to his indigence.

After his release, Lubanga was received by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to participate in peace efforts in Ituri. In 2023, he was elected provincial deputy for Ituri, but his election was annulled due to fraud.

——

Thomas Lubanga, the former warlord who created a new politico-military movement, DR