Title: Intercommunal violence in Kisangani: an alarming report and calls for intervention
Introduction :
Since February, the town of Kisangani, in the province of Tshopo in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been the scene of deadly clashes between members of the Mbole and Lengola communities. While this violence persists, the provincial government has released an alarming report, reporting more than 500 people killed and more than 70,000 displaced. Faced with this dramatic situation, local populations are expressing their anger and calling for firmer intervention from the authorities.
The tragic results of the violence:
According to official data communicated by the provincial minister of health and humanitarian affairs, Bernadette Furaha, more than 500 people have lost their lives since the start of these clashes in February. This already alarming figure continues to increase, with nearly 76,400 internally displaced persons recorded until September. The situation is all the more worrying as the provincial government is struggling to provide adequate assistance to the displaced due to lack of sufficient financial resources.
The anger of local populations:
Faced with this spiral of violence and the inaction of provincial authorities, local populations decided to take action. A ghost town day was declared as a sign of protest against the killings and persistent insecurity. In addition, a memorandum was filed with the provincial authorities, accused of being passive in the face of the seriousness of the situation. The authors of the memorandum demand the personal intervention of the Head of State to put an end to this conflict which is wreaking havoc, while the provincial authorities remain indifferent to the cries of distress of the population.
The origins of the conflict:
This conflict between the Mbole and Lengola communities has its origins in the signing of a 20-year provisional occupation contract between the provincial authority and the Cap Congo company. Land that was previously used for agricultural activities has been sold off, leading to land rivalry and tensions between communities. The tragic consequences of this conflict include lives lost, homes burned, sexual violence and considerable economic losses.
Conclusion :
The situation in Kisangani is most worrying, with an already tragic toll of more than 500 people killed and thousands internally displaced. Calls for intervention by the authorities are increasing, but their response remains insufficient. It is essential that the provincial government take concrete measures to put an end to this intercommunal violence and provide adequate assistance to affected populations. The resolution of this conflict becomes urgent to restore peace and security in the Kisangani region.