For a year, the conflict between the Teke and Yaka communities in the city province of Kinshasa has intensified, killing at least 300 people according to Human Rights Watch. Recently, the Congolese government announced the surrender of more than 279 Yaka insurgents, also known as “Mobondo”, members of the militia that was committing atrocities in the west of the country. This surrender comes after the announcement of the presence of shooters in this militia with links to political parties, political figures and whose goal is to weaken state institutions.
The increase in the customary fee by the village chief Masiambe is at the origin of this conflict. Non-natives, mainly Yaka, expressed their dissatisfaction with this increase. Hunting movements were then organized and directed by the Teke to dislodge non-natives from the village. The Yaka, for their part, organized a counter-attack by removing certain customary authorities in place and replacing them with individuals from their community.
But this conflict took a dramatic turn with the creation of the “Mobondo” militia. The atrocities committed by the latter prompted some of its members to surrender to the government, which welcomed them to Kinshasa. However, links between this militia and political figures could hinder any peaceful resolution of the conflict and heighten political tensions in the region.
This conflict is reminiscent of deep-rooted ethnic tensions in the DRC, also exacerbated by the struggle for control of the country’s natural resources. President Felix Tshisekedi is trying to strengthen state power and repress the various militias present in the territory. However, this mission is hampered by the economic and political difficulties of the country as well as by the fragility of the current government.
Let’s hope that the current situation calms down quickly to put an end to the atrocities committed and allow a real community dialogue on the issue of land ownership and peaceful cohabitation between the different ethnic groups in the region.