More than 40 people have died in the past week due to escalating violence between two rival communities in western Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the Congolese army and local officials.
The violence marks one of the deadliest eruptions of conflict between the Teke and Yaka groups since the signing of a peace agreement in April. The deal was aimed at easing tensions stemming from a long-running dispute over land taxes that has already resulted in hundreds of deaths and the displacement of thousands since 2022.
On Friday, a Yaka militia group known as Mobondo ambushed the army in Kwango province, killing 21 militiamen and two soldiers, said army spokesperson Antony Mualushayi.
The attack sparked a broader wave of communal violence in the region, which included the horrific burning of 12 civilians alive in a village. The victims, mostly women and children, were locked in a house that was set on fire, Mualushayi added. Local lawmaker Guy Mosomo confirmed the gruesome attack, speaking to media on Tuesday.
In the aftermath of the fighting, the army reported that eight additional Mobondo fighters were killed.
The violence continues partly because some traditional leaders contest the April peace deal, arguing that it was not inclusive. According to Mualushayi, tensions have been further stoked by representatives from both communities in the capital, Kinshasa, who are pushing for additional talks.
“They are trying to force the government into accepting their demands through renewed attacks, as the government delays addressing their concerns,” Mualushayi said.
