Clashes between Mobondo militiamen and the army in the village of Selemwene, in Kwango province, caused numerous casualties, including eight Mobondo militiamen killed and three soldiers seriously injured with machetes. The incidents began on July 9 and continued in the area.
According to the provincial government spokesperson, the Mobondo militiamen attacked the armed forces with the aim of exterminating the Teke inhabitants of the region. The clashes were violent, and the final toll on the side of the army was not specified, but several deaths were recorded.
This escalation of violence adds to the tension already present in the Kwango region. The previous week, 69 Mobondo militiamen had been arrested and brought before the Kikwit military court for trial. It would appear that these arrests provoked a violent reaction from the remaining militiamen.
These clashes underscore the need for the authorities to strengthen security and put an end to the activities of armed militias in the region. Measures must be taken to protect local populations and restore order in Kwango province.
This incident also highlights the complexity of the challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ethnic tensions, political rivalries and the existence of armed militias continue to undermine the country’s stability and compromise the security of citizens.
It is essential that the authorities implement effective measures to prevent and suppress militia violence, in order to create a secure environment conducive to economic and social development in the Kwango region and in the country as a whole.
In the face of these challenges, the coordination of efforts between different actors, including security forces, local authorities and civil society, is essential to achieve a lasting and peaceful solution