Tension is at its height in the Democratic Republic of Congo, as assailants identified with the Yaka/Mobondo group continue to sow terror in the peripheral regions of Kinshasa. Inter-community conflicts between the Teke and the Yaka began in June 2022 and quickly degenerated, causing extensive damage and the massive displacement of the population. The violent incursions of the attackers in the commune of Maluku in Kinshasa, in the provinces of Kwango, Mai-Ndombe and recently, in Kongo Central are a major source of concern.
The government has taken measures to deal with this growing insecurity. The loyalist forces face continued assaults by Mobondo assailants, yet 90 detainees, including 11 soldiers and 79 assailants, are in the hands of the services. Reinforcement measures aimed at dealing with the resurgence of banditry and urban crime have also been put in place, with the “kuluna” phenomenon in Kinshasa, armed robberies in the provinces of Haut-Katanga and the North -Kivu, kidnappings, roadblocks and attacks on mining sites in the provinces of South Kivu and Ituri.
Despite these efforts, inter-community tensions and attacks continue, as we saw with the terrorist attack in North Kivu in the DRC which claimed several victims at the beginning of June. The government and the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces are more than ever determined to spare no effort to restore the authority of the State and ensure the security of the population.
In this context, the call for action by the international community takes on its full meaning. Positive initiatives are emerging although the political and humanitarian situation remains tense. Indeed, opponent Martin Fayulu recently warned against an unreliable bill for legislative and provincial elections. National deputies are also auditioned for incitement to tribal hatred.
Finally, the torrential rain that fell on the Patambamba village in Mweka territory, Kasai province, caused considerable damage. Several households are currently homeless and work is underway to prevent soil erosion in the neighboring province of Kasai.
The news in the Democratic Republic of Congo is therefore marked by a worrying security situation, but also by promising political and humanitarian progress. Faced with these challenges, the government and local actors need the support of the international community to preserve the stability of the region.