The security crisis in the Bateke Plateau in Kinshasa continues to grow. The Mobondo militia engages in killings and abuses on local populations. This situation is the result of a land conflict that degenerated into a community conflict between the Teke and Yaka groups. Faced with this situation, Christophe Mboso, President of the National Assembly, called for demobilization, an end to violence and dialogue. He proposes the establishment of a peace, reconciliation and community reintegration commission to find lasting solutions to the conflict.
Land conflict is not a new phenomenon in the Democratic Republic of Congo. For years, local populations have been confronted with this problem, which often degenerates into community conflicts. The Plateau des Bateke region has become the perfect illustration of this alarming situation. Indeed, the Mobondo militia has taken control of certain areas there and is waging a war against the local populations who refuse to submit to their authority.
Faced with this situation, Christophe Mboso appealed to the Mobondo militiamen to lay down their arms and participate in dialogue. The commission he proposes should include the governors of four provinces, the ministers of the interior, defence, land affairs and social affairs, as well as customary chiefs and local elected officials. This commission should work to find lasting solutions to the land problem in the region.
This call for demobilization and dialogue is an important initiative to avoid an escalation of violence in the region. However, it is important to underline that the land conflict is a phenomenon that affects the whole of the DRC. The agrarian reform proposed by Christophe Mboso could be one of the sustainable solutions to solve this problem, taking into account local customs and traditions.
It is therefore crucial that the authorities of the DRC take concrete measures to combat the land conflict in the country, in order to avoid the spread of violence and abuse. The establishment of the commission proposed by Christophe Mboso is a first step, but it must be supported by effective public policies to guarantee lasting peace in the country.