The dispute between Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental provinces has entered a new phase, with the Vice Prime Minister in charge of the Interior, Jacquemain Shabani, convening a meeting with the governors of both provinces on September 28. The meeting, held at the shores of Lake Munkamba, aimed to address the longstanding issue of administrative boundaries. The governors of Kasai Central, Joseph Moise Kambulu N'Konko, and Kasai Oriental, Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo, were in attendance.
The point of contention is primarily centered around Lake Munkamba, situated at the junction of the territories of Dimbelenge in Kasai Central and Kabeya-Kamwanga in Kasai Oriental. Additionally, certain areas within the territory of Dibaya are also disputed. To address this issue, Shabani announced the establishment of a mixed commission comprising experts from the Congo Geographic Institute and representatives from other competent technical services. The commission's task is to examine the contested boundaries and provide a technical basis for resolving the dispute.
The conflict is not solely a matter of cartography, as it also involves land and agricultural interests. Local communities accuse each other of encroaching on their territories and violating administrative or customary boundaries, particularly during periods of cultivation and harvesting. The dispute has thus taken on a local dimension, with the land becoming a point of friction between communities claiming rights to the contested areas.
The mixed commission is expected to examine the boundaries based on available data and expert opinions. The involvement of specialists from the Congo Geographic Institute aims to introduce technical elements to the debate and move beyond mere communal claims. Both provincial governors have expressed their willingness to seek a peaceful and lasting solution, which is a prerequisite for the dialogue initiated by the Interior Ministry.
The government has opted for a technical and concerted approach to resolve the dispute, prioritizing expertise and dialogue over confrontation. By involving the Congo Geographic Institute and other technical services, the government aims to establish a clear and impartial understanding of the boundaries in question. This approach may help reduce tensions between the communities and provide a foundation for a lasting resolution.
The territorial dispute between Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental provinces has significant implications for the local populations, who rely heavily on the land for their livelihoods. The mediation process initiated by Shabani may help alleviate tensions and provide a framework for resolving similar disputes in the future. The involvement of technical experts and the commitment to a peaceful resolution are essential steps towards finding a lasting solution.
The outcome of the mediation process and the work of the mixed commission will be crucial in determining the future of the relationship between Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental provinces. The government's commitment to a peaceful and technical approach is a positive step towards resolving the dispute and may serve as a model for addressing similar conflicts in other regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo's Interior Minister Jacquemain Shabani has initiated mediation between Kasai Central and Kasai Oriental provinces over a territorial dispute.
- The dispute is centered around Lake Munkamba and involves land and agricultural interests.
- A mixed commission comprising experts from the Congo Geographic Institute and other technical services has been established to examine the contested boundaries and provide a technical basis for resolving the dispute.
