In Bafwasende, soldiers from the Jungle unit of the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo) are accused of looting a large sum of money on Thursday, July 3rd. The stolen funds were reportedly intended as salaries for teachers in Bafwasende II, part of the Tshopo I education province.
Saddam Tango, president of the Bafwasende teachers’ association, revealed that the money was for primary school teachers from Wanginda, Besele, Onali, and Bangwabi.
These schools are located in the Wanginda groupement, Barumbi sector, as reported by actualite.cd.
Saddam Tango said:
“We are paid via Mpesa. Because the schools are far from the Bafwasende center, the teachers and school heads sent their SIM cards with a delegate to withdraw the money here. After the transaction, while returning through Gbado, a group of Jungle soldiers stole the funds.”
The teachers’ association says the educators involved were tortured and beaten.
According to Saddam, each school has at least six teachers, each earning about 280,000 Congolese Francs. He also noted that the Jungle unit soldiers regularly harass local residents, including teachers.
Désiré Aliene stated:
“When civil society leaders in Bafwasende were questioned, they confirmed that people are deeply worried about the violent behavior of the soldiers, especially in a place called Opienge. At PK 232, traders are forced to pay 10,000 CFA at a FARDC roadblock.”
He added:
“We have already spoken with both civil and military leaders, but no solution has been found.”
When questioned on the matter in June 2025, the Territory Administrator, Willy Simbiye, had called on local citizens to “support the national army.”
