On Tuesday 19 May 2026, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) presented a suspected network of collaborators with the Islamist rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), accused of participating in the financing of the armed group’s operations through the illegal mining and trafficking of gold in the Bapere sector, Lubero territory, North Kivu.

According to the army, these individuals played a central role in the ADF’s financial logistics, notably through fundraising, the supply of foodstuffs and the organisation of supply routes for the benefit of combatants active in this area.

Alleged head of financial network arrested

At the heart of this network is Agbaluge Keina Freddy, alias ‘Bakobatama’, described as a member of the COMEPA mining cooperative. He was arrested on 24 March 2026 in Buyembo whilst, according to the FARDC, attempting to acquire equipment intended for the Butambisi mining concession.

The army describes him as an alleged financial backer of Abu-Wakas, identified as a senior ADF commander operating in the region.

Lieutenant Marc Elongo, spokesperson for Operation Sukola 1 Grand Nord, outlined the charges against him: “His role was not only to sell gold for this ADF leader, but also to receive funds via mobile money to purchase food and non-food items necessary for the survival of the ADF operating in the Bapere sector, on the banks of the Lindi River. He also recruited other collaborators in the territory of Mambasa, particularly in Muchacha, Nduye, Niania and Badengailo,” he said.

According to the FARDC, Bakobatama was also responsible for imposing a form of illegal taxation on the local population.

The army claims that he persuaded — or forced — the inhabitants of Mabuo, Mapendano and Bududia to pay sums ranging from 10 to 100 US dollars to the ADF. “He was the one who acted as a guide for the ADF from the Bapere forest to the village of Muchacha,” added the military officer.

Local figures also implicated :

The FARDC’s crackdown also highlights the alleged involvement of certain local figures.

Among those arrested is Badose Musole Jean, described as the president of Mabuo’s civil society organisation. He was arrested on 27 March in Manguredjipa. According to the army’s allegations, he was allegedly commissioned by Abu-Wakas to bribe certain officials in Beni.

His alleged mission was to pay 750 US dollars to secure the release of two couriers linked to the ADF, who were arrested whilst transporting a gold tester.

Two women, whose identities have not been revealed, were also arrested for their alleged involvement in this clandestine supply network.

A war economy fuelled by gold:

Through this operation, the FARDC believe they have exposed the existence of a structured system for financing the ADF, relying in particular on small-scale gold mining, the extortion of local populations and clandestine financial networks.

According to the army, these revelations illustrate a persistent reality in eastern DRC: beyond the violence against civilians, several armed groups rely on a veritable war economy in which mineral resources, particularly gold, constitute a major source of funding.

Written by Azarias Mokonzi