Nearly 50 people held by ADF rebels for several weeks have been freed in Malembi forest, in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo, Radio Okapi reported. The forest lies about 130 kilometres from Mambasa-centre, in Mambasa territory.
Civil society sources, citing the chief of the Malembi grouping, said the release followed recent clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC) and ADF fighters. Some of the freed hostages went to army positions and were then taken to Mambasa. Others returned straight to their villages or camps.
The former hostages spent two to three months in captivity, according to Radio Okapi. Some were abducted in the localities of Nduye and Malembi. Others were seized on the road after their motorcycles broke down.
An official ceremony to hand them back to their families took place in Mambasa-centre on Monday. Twenty-nine former hostages were presented to the public there. Territorial authorities and military leaders attended.
The release comes as military operations continue against armed groups active in the Mambasa and Beni areas, the broadcaster said.