The conflict in Kwamouth, DRC, stems from land disputes between the Teke and Yaka communities, leading to protracted violence since June 2022. Displacement has risen to nearly 146,000 individuals, and around 2.78 million people are in humanitarian need. The situation has disrupted essential services, necessitating urgent intervention to address escalating humanitarian crises.
The ongoing conflict in Kwamouth territory, located in Mai-Ndombe province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, has escalated since June 2022 due to a protracted dispute over land rights and customary fees between the indigenous Teke and the Yaka communities. The Teke assert their historical claim to the land along the Congo River, whereas the Yaka have inhabited the area for decades, leading to a complex relationship characterized by both cooperation and tension. Increased population pressure, scarcity of resources, and political interference have further exacerbated the hostilities between these ethnic groups, displacing nearly 146,000 individuals by late October 2024.
The conflict in Kwamouth originates from deep-rooted historical grievances related to land ownership between the Teke, who regard themselves as the traditional custodians of the territory along the Congo River, and the Yaka, who arrived later and developed shared usage systems with the Teke. Since the onset of violence in June 2022, communities in the provinces of Kwango, Kwilu, and Mai-Ndombe have been severely affected, disrupting essential services, and creating a humanitarian crisis involving around 2.78 million people in need of assistance as of January 2024.
In summary, the conflict in Kwamouth territory illustrates the tragic consequences of ethnic tensions and resource disputes in the DRC. The adverse effects of the violence have been far-reaching, resulting in massive displacements and significant humanitarian needs. The situation demands urgent attention to alleviate suffering and restore stability in the affected regions, as violence continues to escalate in the area.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
