A violent conflict has erupted in the Butumba chieftainship, located in the Bukama territory of Haut-Lomami province, Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to reports from Radio Okapi, six people were killed and seven others seriously injured on October 6, 2020, in clashes between supporters of rival leaders vying for power. The conflict arose after the death of the previous chief, with three leaders now disputing the customary power.
The tension in Butumba has been escalating due to the power struggle among the three leaders. Their supporters clashed, resulting in the deaths of six people, including four who were burned to death. The administrator of Bukama territory, Dieudonné Salumu Mwana Takala, confirmed the incident and stated that consultations had been organized by the chief of the Butumba chieftainship to designate a new leader for the Katala groupment. However, these consultations were deemed irregular and subsequently canceled.
According to Dieudonné Salumu Mwana Takala, the consultations were held in Kisamba, which he considered to be in contravention of the law. The law, enacted on August 25, 2015, stipulates the status of customary chiefs and outlines the procedures for their appointment. Despite the cancellation of the consultations, the chief of the Butumba chieftainship proceeded with the installation of a new leader in Kisamba, which further exacerbated the tensions.
The recent clashes were reportedly between the camps of Morgan and Gaylor. The administrator of Bukama territory stated that the supporters of Morgan attacked those of Gaylor, leading to the loss of life and property. The situation remains volatile in the Butumba chieftainship, with the local population living in fear of further violence.
This is not the first incident of violence related to the customary conflict in Butumba. The civil society has condemned the situation and called for the intervention of provincial and national authorities to restore peace. The administrator of Bukama territory has urged the population to remain calm and has reported the situation to his superiors.
The conflict in Butumba highlights the challenges of customary power struggles in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country has a complex system of customary governance, which often leads to tensions and violence. The situation in Butumba requires a swift and peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and property.
The authorities have yet to comment on the situation, but it is hoped that they will take swift action to address the root causes of the conflict and restore peace to the Butumba chieftainship. The people of Butumba deserve to live in peace and stability, free from the fear of violence and intimidation.
Key points
- Six people were killed and seven injured in clashes between supporters of rival leaders in the Butumba chieftainship, Haut-Lomami province.
- The conflict arose from a power struggle among three leaders vying for customary power following the death of the previous chief.
- The situation remains volatile, with the local population calling for the intervention of provincial and national authorities to restore peace.
