SUMMARY

In 2023, a dispute over land led to violence between the Basonge and Bakwa Luntu in the Lubi secteur of Dimbelenge territory, Kasaï Central province of DR Congo (Zaire). Basonge villigers from the Babembele groupement clashed with Bakwa Luntu villigers from the Bena Nkola groupement over a forest area. The communities destroyed fields, looted goods, burned houses and the violence resulted in deaths and displacement.

The conflict escalated in April 2024, when Basonge attacked the chief of Bena Kasasa (part of the Bena Nkoma tribe of the Bakwa Luntu) while he was working in fields. The Basonge claimed the chief had crossed the rural boundaries between the two groupements. This incident escalated into broader violence, and several late-night attacks were people were killed and houses were set on fire.

In response to the escalating violence, military forces from the neighboring Kasaï Oriental province were deployed to restore order. Their intervention helped to quell the immediate hostilities, but tensions between the communities persisted.