SUMMARY

The Hema ethnic group is found in the Ituri district, located in the Orientale Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The group can be divided into the sub-groups: the southern Hema (Banyoro) and the Northen Hema (Gegere). Hema which only numbers around 150 000 has been in control of Lendu settlements since pre-colonial times. The Hema elite managed to build a strong and economically profitable business as pastoralists. During the last years as a colony and President Mobutu's rule the Hema people were favoured as they managed to acquire more land.

In 1998 following one of many land disputes between Hema and Lendu, Hema villages were attacked. In response some Hema families mobilized young people in their villages for protection, at the same time Ugandan Commanders was paid to attack Lendu villages. As the conflict intensified the rebel group RCD-ML (Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie–Mouvement de Libération, Congolese Rally for Democracy–Liberation Movement) was drawn into the complex. Two of the front figures for RCD-ML had started to recruit their ethnic kinsmen into the rebel group. John Tibasiima mobilised Hema. In July 2002 the Hema part of RCD-ML defected and formed the first Hema militia UPC (Union des Patriotes Congolais, Union of Congolese Patriots).

Hema has been involved in the non-state category of UCDP organised violence.