The group, comprising 44 females and 6 males, were liberated during Operation Shujaa, a joint effort by the UPDF and FARDC to combat the ADF insurgency in eastern DRC.
Major General Dick Olum, the overall commander of Operation Shujaa, officially handed over the rescued individuals to Colonel Ekoko Bokeon, the FARDC Beni Sector Second in Command, at a ceremony in Kasindi, North Kivu Province.
Prior to their return to their communities in DRC, the rescued abductees received comprehensive support from the UPDF. They underwent counseling and rehabilitation sessions to help them heal from the trauma they endured, and were also equipped with valuable life skills to facilitate their reintegration into society.
Image: Rescued abductees participate in a skills training workshop.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Major General Olum urged the abductees to embrace their newfound freedom and act as ambassadors of peace. He also encouraged them to utilize the skills they learned to rebuild their lives and contribute to the prosperity of their communities.
Image: A rescued abductee expresses her gratitude to the UPDF and FARDC.
One of the rescued abductees, speaking on behalf of her colleagues, expressed heartfelt gratitude to both the UPDF and FARDC for their unwavering commitment to their rescue and rehabilitation. She also commended their efforts to reunite them with their families.
This handover marks the third time the UPDF has facilitated the safe return of abductees to DRC since Operation Shujaa began. In February and September 2023, they successfully returned 34 and 26 individuals respectively, bringing the total number of rescued abductees to 110.
Image: A group of rescued abductees prepares to return to their homes in DRC.
The ongoing collaboration between the UPDF and FARDC demonstrates a resolute commitment to dismantling the ADF threat and restoring peace and stability to the region. The successful rescue and rehabilitation of abductees like these offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future in eastern DRC.
