SUMMARY

Between 19 and 23 October 2014, violent clashes erupted in Lubila, located in Shabunda territory, Sud-Kivu province, between two rival factions of the Raia Mutomboki - a loosely organized self-defense movement active in eastern DR Congo (Zaire). One faction was led by a commander known as Bravo, while the other was commanded by Makombo. The immediate cause of the conflict was a dispute over control and taxation of artisanal mining sites in the Burale and Shabunda areas, which are rich in mineral resources.

Both factions sought to assert dominance over these lucrative mining squares in the region, as the taxation of miners and control of mining zones are key sources of funding for armed groups in the region. The conflict quickly escalated into armed confrontations involving small arms and light weaponry.

On 6 November 2014, the situation reached a turning point when Commander Bravo succumbed to injuries sustained in earlier fighting in the village of Isebiya. His death dealt a blow to his faction’s leadership and led to a temporary lull in the direct confrontation.

The non-state conflict between Raia Mutomboki - Bravo and Raia Mutomboki - Makombo was first included in UCDP data in 2014. In October of that year clashes between the two rebel factions led to more than 25 battle-related deaths.