Handling an issue peacefully, calmly and without the slightest form of violence corresponds to peaceful conflict management. It reflects the various parties’ willingness to deal with a given situation calmly and serenely, without aggression. We are all aware of the feverish insecurity and socio-security disturbances that have prevailed throughout DR Congo, particularly in the province of Ituri. This province still suffers from a lack of lasting peace. The recurring wars and armed conflicts have caused a great deal of human and material damage, as well as a significant social divide between communities.
Indeed, from June 2020 to the present day, the Diocese of Mahagi-Nioka, through the Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, has been grappling with the crisis in the province of Ituri in general and the ethnic armed conflicts in particular, following the atrocities committed by the CODECO militia and its allies, as well as by other armed groups. Ituri has been suffering badly for over 20 years. There is always the possibility of a return to the violence and disorder of the past. It is, therefore, essential to consolidate the positive gains of the period following that armed conflict and working as hard as possible to minimize the risks of a return to violence. This is the situation that the people of Ituri are living in these days.
Indeed, there is at present a great insecurity in the diocese of Mahagi-Nioka and surroundings. Frustration and land disputes involving different communities and groups, the chiefdom, schools and local populations, churches and major landowners, have occasionally unsettled neighbouring chiefdoms and parishes within the diocese’s jurisdiction. In short, the security situation in Ituri province is anything but rosy.
The many facets of the conflict
This conflict has many facets: land, identity, complexity, etc. It recurs cyclically (every five years or so), with armed clashes between members of the two communities, massacres, looting and burning, etc. Whereas in the past, these clashes were quickly dealt with by the powers that be, today the situation is more complex. The latest conflict began in 2017 and soon took on new dimensions.
When it comes to pacification and reconciliation between communities, the signs of conflict are visible, such as:
- Mistrust, especially in the Djugu-Mahagi territories, between the communities of the Walendu Watsi and Anghal II. Each community always thinks the other is preparing an attack!
- Superiority/inferiority complex between these communities;
- Community migration (internally displaced persons) is still an important issue;
- Conflicts between farmers and herders, linked to the divagation of livestock in the territories affected by the conflicts;
- The presence of extremists in these communities makes reconciliation difficult;
- The same is true of political exploitation of certain problems, and so on.
Negative perceptions, non-acceptance of others, displaced persons and, above all, the manipulation by certain extremists are at the root of tensions between communities. A frank dialogue between them and mediation on issues that pit them against each other would provide a way to reconciliation.
How do these conflicts manifest themselves in the diocese of Mahagi-Nioka?
There are several types of land and other disputes, including conflicts between farmers and herders, between concession-holders and farmers, between concession-holders (with large herds) and other herders of communal pastures. There are administrative boundary disputes between families and clans within the same village or district as well as within the same chiefdom or sector. There are also conflicts between religious communities and surrounding communities about illegal occupation and illicit sale of land. These cases all occur in and around churches and large concessions.
Land conflicts are still rife and pose a major threat to lasting peace in the diocese. Further conflicts have arisen, mainly over the boundaries of administrative entities. As things stand, all attempts to resolve these conflicts through mediation and dialogue serve only to calm tensions. Lasting solutions will only come hopefully through a concerted reconciliation campaign and dialogue during Peace Week.
These and other events that have marked people’s paths over the years teach us that taking care of each other through initiatives to build a society based on fraternal relations is very important. To achieve this, Bishop Sosthène Ayikili Adjuwa organizes annual “dialogues” through the Justice and Peace Commission, peace-building meetings for traditional chiefs, notables and sections of the community in order to discuss and exchange views on the causes of conflict in the region. These initiatives have always had visible impacts on communities affected by conflicts.
The delegates of the Commission de Pacification du territoire de Mahagi (CPM), together with the Bishop, adopted by consensus a draft transitional mechanism for the pacification and administration of the Mahagi territory under the chairmanship of Mgr Sosthène. Driven by determination to achieve peace, the Pacification Commission’s mission is to diagnose all forms of misery engendered by armed conflict. The Catholic Church is committed to bring about a peaceful resolution of all these conflicts.
By: Francisco Ostos Palma, M.Afr.