Since 2022, western Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been plagued by a major security and humanitarian crisis, with more than 5,000 dead, and 280,000 still displaced. While international attention has focused on the violent conflicts in eastern DRC, an intercommunity conflict on the outskirts of Kinshasa is sinking into a spiral of violence, with very little attention from national authorities and international partners. Against this backdrop, and as part of the awareness-raising campaign led by Caritas International Belgium and Justice & Paix, this report seeks to draw attention to the Mobondo crisis and its consequences.
Focusing on the territory of Kwamouth and the rural commune of Maluku (Kinshasa), the report analyses the root causes and dynamics of the security crisis, which combines land conflicts, the breakdown of customary institutions, socio-economic marginalisation, the absence of state authority and political exploitation. It aims to shed a light on inter-community tensions by placing them in their historical, administrative and socio-economic contexts, while contributing to a better understanding of the “Mobondo” militia. By mapping the crisis, this study seeks to inform conflict resolution strategies based on a rigorous analysis of local dynamics.
All in all, the Mobondo crisis in western DRC reveals the deep divisions in a country seeking peace and social justice. Born out of a land dispute and exacerbated by political instrumentalisation and the collapse of governance, it threatens coexistence between communities — such as Teke and Yaka — who previously lived together peacefully. Marginalisation, competition for resources, land scarcity, the establishment of armed groups and economic predation risk entrenching this crisis in a lasting cycle of violence.
Map: Localisation des bastions de Mobondo et des zones d’influence des différentes factions.
Recommendations
Given the complexity and sensitivity of the conflict, the authors of the report call for a multidimensional strategy combining humanitarian action, community mediation, and structural reform. The main recommendations are divided into five areas:
- Strengthening security and state authority: combat Mobondo strongholds, implement a genuine disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) strategy, put an end to illegal taxation and abuses, secure freedom of movement (including for humanitarian players), and reform land governance.
- Prioritise inclusive peace and social cohesion: support intra- and inter-community dialogue, involve (existing) traditional structures, and coordinate actions with local and international NGOs.
- Implement justice and reconciliation: launch an independent investigation, document human rights violations, ensure accountability and promote transitional justice.
- Promote socio-economic recovery and resilience: rebuild infrastructure, compensate victims, support employment and entrepreneurship, and integrate protection, assistance and development into a sustainable approach.
- Mobilise diplomatic and international action: put the crisis on the national and international agenda, strengthen financial and operational support, coordinate the response between governments, donors, the UN and civil society.
The summary and recommendations of the report are available here:
This research was carried out with financial support from the Belgian Directorate-General for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid (DGD) and the European Union. Its content cannot in any way be considered to reflect the position of these two institutions.
