The 11th Military Region of the Democratic Republic of Congo has dispatched a team to the villages of Kahundji and Mampungu to prevent further violence over a land dispute. The conflict between the two villages, located in the Kwilu province, has been ongoing for some time, with tensions running high. The military team aims to sensitize the local population to the importance of peaceful coexistence and to encourage a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
The team, led by the director of communication of the 11th Military Region, Captain Anthony Mualushayi, began its mission in Kahundji, where it called on the population to prioritize peaceful coexistence with their neighbors from Mampungu. The two communities have been disputing the demarcation of their territories, leading to increased tensions. The military team emphasized the need for dialogue and warned against any actions that could exacerbate the situation.
The mission then proceeded to Mampungu, where the team reiterated the importance of peaceful resolution and condemned acts of violence, including rape and arson. The military team also reminded the population that perpetrators of such acts would face judicial prosecution. The local authorities have invited the populations to learn from the situation in Mokondo, where a similar conflict had devastating consequences.
The conflict between Kahundji and Mampungu has already resulted in casualties, with two people killed and 14 injured in clashes between August and September. Two women were also raped during the same period. The tensions have also disrupted commercial exchanges between Kahundji and Kikwit, following the erection of barricades on the road.
The military team has been working to prevent further escalation of the conflict, with a focus on sensitizing the local population to the dangers of violence. The authorities have also invited the two chiefs of the groupements concerned to Bandundu-ville for consultations. The situation remains fragile, with the risk of further violence high.
The 11th Military Region has emphasized the importance of prevention in avoiding a repeat of the Mokondo scenario, where innocent civilians, including women and children, suffered greatly. The team has called on the population to prioritize peaceful resolution and to avoid actions that could worsen the situation.
The situation in Kahundji and Mampungu remains tense, but the military team's efforts have been welcomed by the local population. The team's message has been well-received, with the population pledging to prioritize peaceful means to resolve the dispute. The authorities will continue to monitor the situation closely, with a focus on preventing further violence.
Key points
- The DR Congo army has sent a team to Kahundji and Mampungu villages to prevent further violence over a land dispute.
- The conflict between the two villages has already resulted in casualties and disrupted commercial exchanges.
- The military team aims to sensitize the local population to the importance of peaceful coexistence and to encourage a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
