The Democratic Republic of Congo is once again bereaved by an attack carried out by militiamen from the Yaka community. The village of Batshongo, in the province of Kwango was the target of these attacks, killing five people, including two soldiers, a policeman and two civilians. According to local sources, the soldiers “were automatically cut up by the Mobondo”. As a reminder, the clashes between the Mobondo and the security forces have already left at least four people dead.
The ongoing violence in western DRC began in June 2022 over a land dispute between the Teke and the Yaka. These groups are involved in a dispute over customary royalties and access to land. A conflict that has already claimed the lives of 300 people according to Human Rights Watch. The fighting spread to Kwango province as well as Kinshasa, where the capital is located.
This series of relentless attacks is worrying for the DRC. The Congolese authorities must take concrete measures to put an end to these community conflicts which continue to claim victims.
In addition, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi is increasing his travels to present investment opportunities in his country and revive the economy. To achieve this, economic stability and investor security are essential. Without this, the economic and social development of the DRC will be very difficult to achieve.