Dozens were killed in a violent confrontation between Congolese soldiers and Mobondo militiamen in the village of Kinsele, located on the outskirts of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Local lawmaker David Bisaka reported a death toll exceeding 50, with 42 Mobondo fighters, 9 soldiers, and one civilian woman confirmed dead.
The cause of the clash remains unclear. Some sources claim the Mobondo initiated the attack, accusing the army of siding with the Teke people in a longstanding land dispute.
Others suggest a recent military operation by the DRC army triggered the violence.
This incident adds to a growing list of deadly conflicts fueled by land rights disputes in the vast African nation.
Since mid-2023, the government has restricted media access to the region, making independent verification of events difficult.
Previous attempts by journalists to enter the province have been blocked by security services.
The Mobondo, considered part of the Yaka community, have been embroiled in clashes with the Teke people since 2022.
The Teke claim ownership of villages along the Congo River, while the Yaka have settled in these areas.
These disputes have already claimed hundreds of lives.
The ongoing violence highlights the fragility of the region and raises concerns about the government’s ability to maintain peace and stability.
With limited access to information due to media restrictions, a clear picture of the situation remains elusive.
