A brutal assault by armed militiamen has left at least 72 people dead, including nine soldiers and a soldier’s wife, in the village of Kinsele in western Democratic Republic of Congo. The attack, which occurred approximately 100 kilometers east of Kinshasa, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between rival communities in the region.
The perpetrators are believed to be members of the Mobondo militia, a group claiming to defend the interests of the Yaka people. This attack is the latest in a series of violent clashes that have plagued the Kwamouth territory for the past two years, stemming from disputes between the Teke and Yaka communities over land rights and customary claims.
Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in April 2024 by President Felix Tshisekedi, the violence has not only persisted but intensified in recent weeks. The conflict, which erupted in June 2022, has its roots in tensions between the Teke, considered historical inhabitants of the region, and more recent settlers from various ethnic groups, including the Yaka.
The Congolese government has responded to the crisis by dispatching the Defense Minister to assess the situation on the ground. Authorities have emphasized the strategic importance of the affected Kwango province as a security buffer for Kinshasa.
This outbreak of violence in western Congo adds to the nation’s security challenges, as the government continues to grapple with widespread unrest in the eastern regions, where over 120 armed groups vie for control of valuable natural resources.