The document provides background on the historical roots of conflict in Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It discusses how colonial rule exacerbated tensions between the main ethnic groups of Lendu and Hema by establishing a divide and rule approach and entrenching administrative cleavages between communities. This separation and colonial exploitation of gold mining strained local relations and caused land conflicts. While the ethnic binary is an oversimplification, colonial narratives of ethnic superiority of Hema over Lendu embedded racist ideologies. Protracted tensions over land, resources, political participation and identity have persisted in Ituri since and provide an important historical context for understanding current conflicts in the region.
The Independent Complaint Mechanism (ICM) received a complaint regarding DEG-financed operations of Plantations et Huileries du Congo SA (PHC), a subsidiary of Feronia Inc. The complaint was filed by RIAO-RDC on behalf of communities near two PHC plantation sites regarding land issues, harassment, lack of participation, and labor issues. The ICM conducted a preliminary review and recommends dispute resolution through mediation. Key next steps include identifying mediators, developing process guidelines, and establishing representation and engagement rules agreeable to all stakeholders to facilitate productive mediation in early 2020. Success will depend on stakeholders' willingness to cooperate and compromise.
The document provides background on the historical roots of conflict in Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It discusses how colonial rule exacerbated tensions between the main ethnic groups of Lendu and Hema by establishing a divide and rule approach and entrenching administrative cleavages between communities. This separation and colonial exploitation of gold mining strained local relations and caused land conflicts. While the ethnic binary is an oversimplification, colonial narratives of ethnic superiority of Hema over Lendu embedded racist ideologies. Protracted tensions over land, resources, political participation and identity have persisted in Ituri since and provide an important historical context for understanding current conflicts in the region.
The Independent Complaint Mechanism (ICM) received a complaint regarding DEG-financed operations of Plantations et Huileries du Congo SA (PHC), a subsidiary of Feronia Inc. The complaint was filed by RIAO-RDC on behalf of communities near two PHC plantation sites regarding land issues, harassment, lack of participation, and labor issues. The ICM conducted a preliminary review and recommends dispute resolution through mediation. Key next steps include identifying mediators, developing process guidelines, and establishing representation and engagement rules agreeable to all stakeholders to facilitate productive mediation in early 2020. Success will depend on stakeholders' willingness to cooperate and compromise.