THE SITUATION IN THE KIVUS

This report by Hans Romkema of the Life & Peace Institute analyzes the conflict dynamics in the Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It argues that while foreign interventions and refugee influxes have exacerbated the situation, the root causes are grounded in long-term bad governance, disputes over land and customary rights, and ethnic tensions. The author examines the internal divisions within the RCD-G, the structure of the Mayi-Mayi militias, and the challenges of the DDRRR (disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, reintegration, and resettlement) process, particularly regarding the FDLR. The report concludes that sustainable peace requires a focus on governance, the unification of the army, and cooperative economic and security relations between the DRC and Rwanda.

• The root cause of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is attributed to years of bad governance under colonial rule, the regime of Mobutu, and the period following his regime's collapse.
• Initial conflicts in the Kivus, starting in 1993 in Masisi and Walikale, were driven by disputes over land access and customary rights between the Banyarwanda (primarily Hutu) and indigenous groups like the Hunde and Nyanga, rather than anti-Rwanda sentiments.
• The Rassemblement Congolais pour la Democratie – Goma (RCD-G) is not a unified ideological group but a diverse collection of factions, many of whom joined for personal gain or to further specific ethnic or political interests.
• The Mayi-Mayi militias are more unified than commonly perceived, with most commanders reporting to three primary leaders: General Padiri, General Dunia, or General Masunzu.
• Foreign influence in the Kivus is significant, with Rwanda's influence stemming from the government, refugees, and the FDLR; Uganda has previously supported the FDLR in Lubero; and Tanzania serves as a supplier of arms and ammunition via the port of Kigoma.
• The DDRRR process is hindered by the presence of extreme FDLR elements who prevent others from returning to Rwanda, a lack of contact with FDLR and Burundian rebel leadership, and insufficient activity by the UNHCR in promoting repatriation.
• Sustainable peace in the DRC depends on prioritizing governance over simple infrastructure or military projects, building trust and economic cooperation between the DRC and Rwanda, and ensuring the stability of neighboring countries.

APA

Romkema, H. (n.d.). THE SITUATION IN THE KIVUS. Institute for Security Studies. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/ROMKEMA.PDF

Chicago

Romkema, Hans. THE SITUATION IN THE KIVUS. Institute for Security Studies, n.d. https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/ROMKEMA.PDF.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Romkema |first1=Hans |title=THE SITUATION IN THE KIVUS |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |url=https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/ROMKEMA.PDF |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{romkemandsituation, author = {Romkema, Hans}, title = {{THE SITUATION IN THE KIVUS}}, institution = {Institute for Security Studies}, url = {https://issafrica.s3.amazonaws.com/site/uploads/ROMKEMA.PDF}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }