The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is again facing violence in the provinces of Mai-Ndombe, Kwilu, Kwango and Kinshasa, according to the Provincial Episcopal Assembly of Kinshasa (ASSEPKIN). The bishops mention in particular the disturbances perpetrated in Batshiongo, Mongata, Kipulamba, Kabuba, Tadika and at the Mayobo farm where this has led to the massive displacement of populations.
Through pastoral visits in the field, ASSEPKIN affirms that “we have come to the intimate conviction that bloodthirsty invisible hands from Kinshasa are hiding behind all these conflicts. According to them, it is people who defend secret interests of a political and economic nature who exploit these conflicts arising from a land dispute. This conflict would then tend to confiscate the lands to the peoples who have always occupied them in a peaceful coexistence, according to the ASSEPKIN.
The prelates believe that these political and economic manipulations of conflicts are likely to spread the conflicts to all the provinces of the country, which would lastingly distance the long-awaited peace. According to the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW), the situation has already caused the death of at least 300 people since June 2022.
At the same time, representatives of displaced persons and traditional Teke chiefs have officially requested the intervention of the United Nations to impose peace in the territories of Kwamouth and Bagata.
Faced with this situation, ASSEPKIN calls on political leaders to withdraw their bloodthirsty hands from the provinces to protect the people and stop manipulating them.
The DRC is going through a difficult period between the various security conflicts, arbitrary arrests, demonstrations and political tensions in the country. However, the Congolese authorities wish to diversify their economy to stimulate growth and improve the country’s security. President Tshisekedi recently traveled to Gaborone to draw inspiration from the Botswanan economic model in the mining sector.
Security remains precarious in several regions of the country, particularly in North Kivu. The call for a redoubling of efforts to guarantee the safety of all is launched by the Congolese authorities and in particular by President Tshisekedi during his visit to Kwamouth