DRC: Additional security forces deployed into Yumbi February 27

Event

Thousands of residents who fled Yumbi (Mai Ndombe province) in December 2018 are beginning to return to the area as of late-February 2019. Congolese officials deployed an additional 200 police officers from Kinshasa on Wednesday, February 27, to maintain order in the area. According to the UN, around 20,000 people were displaced and over 800 people were killed during an outbreak of violence between the Batende and Banunu ethnic groups in December. Mediations between the two communities are ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the violence. Heightened security measures are expected in and around Yumbi in the near term.

Context

Clashes broke out in Yumbi on December 19, primarily over the disputed location of the burial site for a Banunu chief. There has been a long-standing land dispute between the Batende and Banunu communities over control of Yumbi territory. The fighting caused the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to delay presidential and legislative elections in the area until March 2019.

Advice

Individuals in Mai Ndombe province, particularly around Yumbi, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for violent activity, avoid any public demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.