In December 2024, the Tshopo province in Kisangani was the scene of a historic and hopeful event: the peace, reconciliation and development forum between the Mbole and Lengola communities. After nearly two years of bloody conflict in the town of Lubunga, members of the two communities finally found common ground and signed a peace agreement under the auspices of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization and Customary Affairs, Jacquemin Shabani Lukoo.
At the closing of this major event, the Deputy Prime Minister praised the courage and willingness of the stakeholders to prioritize peaceful cohabitation between the communities. The signed peace and reconciliation agreement is seen as a strong symbol of collective awareness and unity between the inhabitants of the Tshopo province, particularly the Mbole and Lengola communities.
The President of the Republic personally committed to supporting the inhabitants of Tshopo in their approach to dialogue and reconciliation with a view to restoring peace and promoting the development of the region. The main objective of this forum was to contribute to the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the establishment of lasting peace to allow the harmonious development of the province.
Under the supervision of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Interior, the leaders of the Mbole and Lengola communities publicly sealed their reconciliation in front of their respective members and national authorities. This symbolic step marks a crucial turning point towards lasting peace and harmonious coexistence between the communities.
To ensure the sustainability of this reconciliation, the Deputy Prime Minister warned against any attempt to hinder the implementation of the resolutions from the Tshopo peace forum. He also stressed the government’s determination to severely repress any action contrary to peace and restored unity.
In a further gesture of reconciliation, the Mbole and Lengola communities have requested an individual judicial review of those imprisoned in the conflict, calling for judicial clemency to foster reconciliation and the rebuilding of social ties.
After months of unrest and violence, this glimmer of hope in Tshopo province is a testament to the ability of communities to overcome their differences and work together for a peaceful and prosperous future. The road to reconciliation may be long and fraught with challenges, but every step towards peace is a victory for the entire population and a positive signal for the future of the region.