The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo Bihango, has announced plans to establish a joint commission to resolve the border dispute between Kasaï-Central and Kasaï-Oriental provinces. This decision was made during a working session held on September 28 at the shores of Lake Munkamba, in the territory of Kabeya-Kamwanga, Kasaï-Oriental. The meeting brought together the governors of both provinces, Joseph Moïse Kambulu N'Konko and Jean-Paul Mbwebwa Kapo.
The border dispute primarily concerns the area around Lake Munkamba, which lies on the border between the territories of Dimbelenge in Kasaï-Central and Kabeya-Kamwanga in Kasaï-Oriental. Some parts of the territory of Dibaya are also affected. The commission will comprise experts from the Congo Geographic Institute and other competent technical services. Its mission is to examine the contested boundaries and propose solutions to prevent further tensions between local communities.
The joint commission aims to find a lasting solution to the dispute, which is fueled by land and agricultural conflicts. Communities from both provinces accuse each other of encroaching on their land and violating administrative or customary boundaries, particularly during planting and harvesting seasons. The two governors have expressed their willingness to prioritize a peaceful resolution to the dispute.
Jacquemain Shabani's initiative is part of a broader effort to address security concerns in the region. After visiting Kasaï-Oriental, he proceeded to Kasaï-Central, where he arrived in the night of September 28. In Kasaï-Central, the Deputy Prime Minister is set to launch the official dissemination of legal texts related to local and provincial security committees.
The establishment of the joint commission is seen as a positive step towards resolving the border dispute. The commission's findings and recommendations are expected to help prevent further conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence between the communities. The government has not provided a timeline for the commission's work, but it is expected to complete its task soon.
The Kasaï region has experienced recurring tensions in recent years, mainly due to land disputes and administrative boundary conflicts. The government's efforts to address these issues are crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the region. The joint commission's work is expected to contribute to the government's broader goal of promoting peace and security in the DRC.
The success of the joint commission will depend on its ability to engage with local communities and address their concerns. The commission's composition, which includes experts from various technical services, is expected to ensure a comprehensive and impartial examination of the border dispute. The government's commitment to implementing the commission's recommendations will be crucial to resolving the dispute and promoting lasting peace in the region.
Key points
- The DRC government will establish a joint commission to examine the administrative border dispute between Kasaï-Central and Kasaï-Oriental provinces.
- The commission will comprise experts from the Congo Geographic Institute and other competent technical services.
- The joint commission aims to find a lasting solution to the dispute, which is fueled by land and agricultural conflicts.
