The Democratic Republic of Congo recently experienced the assassination of a customary chief in the commune of Maluku, in Kinshasa, perpetrated by assailants belonging to the “Mobondo” militia. This tragic event was reported Friday, June 9, 2023 by the VPM, Minister of Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, Peter Kazadi, during the 101st meeting of the Council of Ministers. The latter also announced the presence of unidentified elements in the province of Kongo Central, more precisely in the territory of Lukula, pointing out that armed and terrorist groups are also active in the provinces of Ituri and Tanganyika.
This “Mobondo” militia is the result of a conflict that has existed for years between the Teke and Yaka communities over land disputes. According to Human Rights Watch, these clashes have already caused more than 300 deaths in less than a year. It all started with the increase in the amount of the customary fee by the village chief Masiambe, from one to five bags, which was badly accepted by non-natives, especially the Yaka. They then staged protests, which triggered the Teke’s hunt for non-natives. In response, a group of people identified as Yaka tried to overthrow certain customary authorities to install their own, particularly in the village of Ngambomi.
Since then, this clash between the Teke and the Yaka has turned into a fierce war. The recent resurgence of the “Mobondo” militia has aggravated the situation, occupying territory once inhabited by the two communities. This dramatic event is yet another example of the violence raging in certain regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where ethnic conflicts are often used to justify violence and abuse.
Across Mai Ndombe province, where the slain customary chief was located, the Congolese government continues to work to maintain security and peace. However, ethnic conflicts and insecurity remain major challenges for the country. Local peace initiatives, combined with government efforts to establish dialogue with different actors, are essential to end these conflicts and guarantee peace and security for all Congolese citizens.