Deadly Clashes in Congo: 51 Killed in Rebel-Soldier Conflict
Violence Escalates in the Kwamouth Region as Rebel Group Attacks Military Positions
Reports from national media sources have revealed that the rebel group known as “Mobondo” has launched attacks on military positions in the town of Kinsele, located in the Kwamouth region. This clash between soldiers and Mobondo members has resulted in the tragic loss of 41 rebels, 9 soldiers, and 1 civilian.
As the violence continues to escalate in the region, many residents have been forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring towns and villages. This conflict can be traced back to land disputes in 2022 between the Teke, the original indigenous people of the Kwamouth region, and the Yaka, who migrated to the area and began farming.
In response to the land disputes, the Yaka formed the armed group Mobondo, which has been carrying out violent attacks on villages in the region since 2022. These attacks have led to the deaths of hundreds of civilians and soldiers, further exacerbating the already tense situation in the area.
In a bid to bring about peace and stability, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi played a key role in facilitating a ceasefire agreement between the chiefs of the Teke and Yaka ethnic groups in March 2024. This agreement represents a crucial step towards resolving the longstanding conflict and preventing further loss of life in the Kwamouth region.
