In the twists and turns of the territories of Bafwasende and Haut-Uele, a territorial land conflict has arisen, agitating the inhabitants and local authorities. The tensions stem from the allegedly illegal collection of taxes by the Haut-Uele provincial administration, much to the dismay of the residents of Bafwasende.
The worrying situation was brought to public attention by provincial deputy Séraphin Ayeye of Tshopo. According to him, the presence of the Haut-Uele government in the locality of Bavangele since 2022 has led to practices deemed unacceptable. Indeed, in addition to collecting taxes, the Haut-Uele authorities are said to be engaged in the exploitation of raw materials, particularly wood, on land claimed by the inhabitants of Bafwasende, as part of their ancestral heritage.
During a rally in Bavadili, Séraphin Ayeye highlighted the actions of Haut-Uele agents who erected barriers and continued to collect taxes in an area claimed by Bafwasende territory. Faced with this situation, the provincial authorities of Tshopo have taken steps, accompanied by a delegation from the Geographical Institute, to find a solution to this dispute. However, no concrete solution has yet been found, and discussions have stumbled over cartographic and administrative issues.
The local population, supported by their elected representatives, is urging national and provincial authorities to intervene to restore their authority over these disputed lands. The growing feeling of injustice is palpable, particularly with regard to the exploitation of natural resources by external actors which hardly benefits the Bafwasende community.
Désiré Alieni, president of Bafwasende civil society, calls on provincial deputies to intensify their efforts to defend land rights in the region. Pending a resolution, all eyes are on the imminent arrival of provincial authorities, notably the governor of Tshopo, the provincial minister of the Interior, security and customary affairs, as well as the president of the Assembly provincial, who should go there to try to resolve this difficult land conflict between Bafwasende and Haut-Uele.
Faced with this impasse, the search for a just and equitable solution appears to be an urgent necessity to ease tensions and restore harmony within these territories in the grip of a delicate and complex territorial dispute. Respect for the rights of local communities and the preservation of their ancestral heritage must guide mediation and dialogue efforts to achieve a peaceful and lasting outcome to this dispute..
This situation underlines the crucial importance of the clear and precise delimitation of administrative borders, as well as respect for the rights of local populations in terms of exploitation of natural resources and management of their territory. Resolving this land conflict in the heart of Central Africa will constitute a major challenge for local, regional and national authorities, but also an opportunity to strengthen land governance and guarantee the well-being of communities affected by these territorial disputes.