SUMMARY
The non-state conflict between the Bena Nshimba and Bena Mwembya, Bena Kapuya communities in Katanda Territory, Kasaï Oriental province DR Congo, has deep historical roots tied to disputes over land ownership and traditional chieftaincy. The origins of the dispute date as far back as 1892–1916, when the Bena Kapuya settled on lands traditionally claimed by the Bena Nshimba . Fertile farmland in the Baluba-Lubilanji sector has remained the central object of contention, exacerbated by colonial-era administrative decisions and unresolved boundary demarcations. Tensions periodically escalated into violence.
Community leaders and local authorities have pointed to historical grievances over land ownership and dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of customary leadership succession as the root causes of the violence. In 2007 the clashes were exacerbated by the suspension of village leaders who had been engaged in the conflict by the eastern Kasai governor. In 2022, rumors about the release of Vincent de Paul Mutombo, a would-be chief of Bena Nshimba and advocate for reclaiming disputed territory, were cited as the spark for retaliatory attacks by supporters of the incumbent chief, Mutombo Kasala II.
The conflict has been characterized by cycles of reciprocal village raids, arson, and targeted killings. The most common incidents include the burning of homes, destruction of farmland, and small-scale attacks resulting in civilian casualties.
After the violence in 2007 a police force was sent to the villages and managed to restore order. A week later a government delegation donated 20,000 US dollars in favor of the clash victims. At the beginning of 2008 the police left the villages and in April 2008 new attacks on the crops of Bena Kapuya were reported. As a response a Committee of elders from the communities was founded with the aim of promoting peaceful co-existence. after renewed attacks a peace conference was held in January 2025 leading to a peace agreement on 19 January. The agreement was signed by the customary chiefs of the three communities Bena Nshimba, Bena Mwembya and Bena Kapuya in Bakwa Bowa. This accord aimed to end hostilities and address the underlying land disputes that have plagued the region for decades.
All violence in the Bena Nshimba–Bena Mwembya, Bena Kapuya conflict occurred within Katanda Territory, Kasaï Oriental. The conflict was local and highly territorial, centered specifically on villages within the Baluba-Lubilanji sector.
The non-state conflict between Bena Nsimba and Bena Mwembya, Bena Kapuya was first included in UCDP data in 2007. Clashes between the two communities from 21 to 22 September 2007 in the Katanda territory of DR Congo resulted in at least 25 battle-related deaths.
