Tensions Escalate in Maï-Ndombe as Teke and Banunu Communities Clash
In a tragic turn of events, one person lost their life, and four others sustained injuries on Friday, January 24th, following clashes between the Teke and Banunu communities in Bolobo, the capital of the eponymous territory. The root cause of these tensions stemmed from the contentious installation of a Teke land chief in Bolobo, an act vehemently contested by a faction of the Banunu community.
Armed Conflict Erupts in Bolobo
According to the governor of Maï-Ndombe province, individuals involved in the unrest were armed with 12-gauge rifles. The provincial authority emphasized that the appointed chief was unrecognized by local administration or the provincial government. Governor Nkoso Kevani commended the intervention of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the police in quelling the violence and confiscating weapons.
Political Allegations Surface
Bongubu Cyprien, the chief of the chieftaincy, implicated supporters of national deputy Etibako Edindiko from the Banunu community as the primary opponents of the Teke land chief’s installation. Cyprien underscored the unjustified resistance of the Banunu to the installation, citing historical and territorial considerations. In contrast, Deputy Etibako Edindiko denied any involvement in the conflict, attributing the unrest to manipulation by local politicians.
Installation of Contested Chief
Despite the tensions, both conflicting parties confirmed the installation of the disputed land chief. The installation, amidst simmering tensions, signifies a fragile peace in Bolobo, with the potential for further discord.
History of Conflict in Maï-Ndombe
The existence of weapons among civilians and the persistent animosity between the Teke and Banunu communities in Bolobo harkens back to previous violent episodes. In 2018, clashes between the Banunu and Tende communities resulted in over 500 deaths, as reported by the United Nations. Additionally, neighboring Kwamouth territory has recently witnessed the violent activities of Mobondo militants, leading to widespread casualties and displacement. The current tensions in Bolobo raise concerns of a recurrence of such tragic events.
As tensions continue to simmer in Maï-Ndombe, the specter of violence looms large, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable resolution to the protracted conflicts between the Teke and Banunu communities. The delicate balance of peace hangs in the balance, requiring concerted efforts from local authorities, community leaders, and political figures to prevent further bloodshed and foster reconciliation.