SUMMARY
The conflict between the two ethnic groups Alur and Lendu was situated in Ituri in the north-eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The province of Ituri is made up of several ethnic groups; Lendu, Hema (Hema-Gegere from the north and Hema-Nyoro from the south), Alur, Bira, Nyari, Mambisa, Ndo-Okebo, Lugbwara, Kakwa, Logo, Lese, and Ngiti (also known as Lendu-Bindi); and the province has considerable natural wealth. The competition over land and these resources was a major factor of the crisis in Ituri. In 1999 the region became the scene of a violent conflict between Hema and Lendu this conflict spurred clashes between other ethnic groups in the same area and the conflict between Alur and Lendu appeared after Lendu accused Alur of supporting the Hema. These clashes mainly occurred in Mahagi a territory where 90% of the population is Alur.
On 25 December 2001 clashes were reported for the first time between Alur and Lendu in the Nioka area north of Bunia in the territory of Mahagi. Lendu elements had attacked the Alur but were pushed back. In early January the groups clashed once more and the Lendu reportedly burned down Alur houses. Over 1000 Alur civilians fled across the border to Uganda. In late January 2002 the Ugandan Col. Peter Kerim negotiated the return of the refugees. In February 2003 timber theft by a Lendu sparked renewed violence between the groups. After being released on bail, this Lendu tribesman organized his fellow clansmen for a revenge attack against Alur, killing the three men. The Alur, armed with spears, machetes, and bows and arrows then attacked Lendu homes in the Nebbi district. Six villages were completely destroyed, hundreds of huts burnt and property looted. Many people fled the Mahagi region during the 2001-2003 period. A number of ethnic land disputes started upon their return as they in some cases were prevented from returning to their lands.
In 2019 the conflict between Alur and Lendu restarted as the Hema - Lendu conflict again spread to Mahagi and affected the Alur population.
The non-state conflict between Alur and Lendu is first included in UCDP data in 2002. In January of that year a Lendu attack resulted in more than 25 battle-related deaths.
