SUMMARY
In 2023, violence erupted between the Lengola and Mbole communities in the Tshopo province of the DR Congo (Zaire), due to a land dispute. In February 2023, the provincial government and the Lebanese owned CAP Congo company signed a five-year agreement granting the company access to a 4,000-hectare piece of land on the outskirts of Lubunga district in the rural areas of Kisangani. Members of the Mbole community contested this deal, accusing the Lengola of selling land that did not rightfully belong to them. Seeking revenge, Mbole also took steps to sell to the same CAP Congo company part of the land cultivated by Lengola farmers.
This disagreement escalated into violent clashes, resulting in significant casualties and displacement. The conflict severely impacted local communities and led to the closure of schools and the destruction of homes and other socio-economic infrastructure. The violence that started in the Lubunga district spread to the city of Kisangani and other territories of the Tshopo province, particularly in Opala, Ubundu, Banalia and Isangi.
The clashes between Lengola and Mbole were conducted with small arms including bows, spears and machetes. According to the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office (UNJHRO), human rights violations between the groups included summary executions, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, sexual violence, abductions and the systematic looting and destruction of property and villages.
In an effort to end the conflict, the Minister of Land Affairs of Dr Congo suspended Cap Congo's contracts on a temporary on 9 December 2024. The efforts toward reconciliation culminated in an agreement signed on 19 December 2024. Representatives from both communities committed to ending hostilities and organizing a reconciliation ceremony by January 2025. The agreement also provided for assistance to displaced persons.
The non-state conflict between Lengola and Mbole first became active in UCDP data on 3 May 2023 when clashes between the communities that erupted on 21 February had resulted in at least 55 deaths according to the provincial authorities.
