SUMMARY

The conflict in between Bambuti, Batwa and Batabwa should be seen in a larger context as part of a conflict between Bantu-groups (Baluba, Batabwa, Bazela) and Pygmies (Batwa, Bambuti) in Tanganyika. Pygmies have faced a long-standing marginalization they were the first inhabitants of the DR Congo (Zaire), living as nomadic hunters and gatherers. When Bantu groups, who were primarily farmers, started migrating into the area; Pygmies were displaced into remote forest areas. The Bantu then started to exert control over land and established power structures that excluded Pygmies. The history still influences the relationship between Bantu groups and Pygmies as Bantus have maintained control over all levels of local administration in localities, groupements, chefferies and territories.

In 2017 the Baluba - Batwa conflict increasingly spilled over into Moba, Pweto, and Manono territories; and other Bantu groups got increasingly involved in the conflict.

The non-state conflict between Bambuti, Batwa and Batabwa is first included in UCDP data in 2017. In February of that year, clashes and attacks between the groups near Moba caused more than 25 battle-related deaths.