BCNUDH Highlights Major Progress in Search for Peaceful Solution to Mbole-Lengola Conflict
The Bureau conjoint des Nations unies aux droits de l’homme (BCNUDH) has noted significant developments in the search for a peaceful solution to the conflict between Mbole and Lengola in the Tshopo province. In a press release received on January 16, 2025, the BCNUDH highlighted the organization of a peace forum and the holding of mobile court sessions against the perpetrators of various atrocities that have destabilized the province for nearly two years since the conflict erupted.
Efforts Towards Peace
The BCNUDH commended the visit of the Head of State to the Tshopo province on October 23, 2024, and the organization of the Peace, Security, and Development Forum launched by the Vice Prime Minister of the Interior, Security, Decentralization, and Customary Affairs from December 17 to 19. This forum included all communities in conflict, along with the BCNUDH. The BCNUDH also acknowledged the efforts of FONAREV, which has been providing logistical and financial support for the organization of mobile court sessions in flagrant delicto procedure since August 28, 2024. Additionally, FONAREV has offered legal and judicial support to approximately nine victims involved in the conflict.
Justice Served
As part of the fight against impunity, the BCNUDH reported that 44 individuals have been arrested, with 13 acquitted and 31 convicted by military justice in the first degree for terrorism, participation in an insurrectional movement, and illegal possession of war weapons. Among the convicted, a PNC agent and an FARDC soldier received five-year sentences for violations of orders, simple desertion, and terrorism. Five detainees were sentenced to death for terrorism and participation in an insurrectional movement, while others received sentences ranging from 5 to 20 years in prison.
Controversial Contracts Cancelled
In December of last year, the controversial contracts of the agro-pastoral company CAP-Congo were annulled, as announced by Acacia Bandubola, Minister of State for Land Affairs. The Minister visited the company in the Lubuya-bera sector, on the right bank of the Congo River, confirming the cancellation of the contracts. Despite this, CAP-Congo’s activities continue, as the company holds a 4,000-hectare occupation contract. The cancellation of the contracts was due to incompetence on the part of the signing authority, and efforts are being made to align future contracts with legal provisions and regulations.
Since the beginning of the conflict, the BCNUDH has reported that at least 303 civilians have suffered serious human rights violations in the intercommunal conflict between the Mbole and Lengola and their respective allies since February 2023. Government and humanitarian sources estimate that at least 107,000 people have been displaced due to the conflict, living in precarious conditions in three displaced persons sites in Kisangani and the Lubunga commune.
**Clément MUAMBA**
In my own small village, we had a conflict that lasted for years until community leaders came together to find peace. It was a long and difficult journey, but the progress we made in reconciling differences and rebuilding trust was worth every effort. Peace is possible when we choose to listen, understand, and work together towards a common goal. Let’s continue to support initiatives like the BCNUDH to ensure that every community facing conflict can find a path to peace and reconciliation.