In the heart of conflict-hit eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Indigenous communities face overwhelming devastation. Many, including the Batwa and Bambuti, are fleeing their ancestral lands as armed groups invade, driven by extractive activities that disregard their rights. Human rights organisations have highlighted the violence and displacement afflicting these groups, which are often scapegoated for the actions of the government forces that some suspect they assist.
According to Samuel Ade Ndasi from Minority Rights Group, these communities gain little, if anything, from the mining operations occurring on their traditional lands, and many are subjected to forced labour. As the M23 rebel group regained territories in 2021, the toll on the environment and Indigenous livelihoods has skyrocketed. U.N. agencies fear worsening humanitarian crises, with over 237,000 people displaced since the conflicts escalated into 2025, exacerbating the plight of Indigenous peoples.
The turmoil has compounded an already volatile situation for the Batwa and Bambuti, who depend on their ancestral lands for survival, culture, and spiritual practices. The ongoing violence has not only destroyed shelters but has also disrupted their access to vital resources for health and livelihood. Reports of killings, sexual violence, and systemic oppression of these groups have surfaced, showing the dire consequences of the armed conflict that has plagued the region for decades.
As natural resources become central to ongoing conflicts, the lack of recognition and rights for Indigenous peoples remains a significant challenge. They face land seizures without compensation, and their voices are increasingly absent in the discussions surrounding resource management. Ndasi argues that their rights must be respected under international law to ensure they are not forcibly evicted and can actively protect their homelands.
In a landscape rife with chaos, Ndasi insists that humanitarian norms must prevail. The Geneva Conventions mandate protections for civilians, yet Indigenous peoples continue to suffer in silence, caught in the crossfire of neglect and violent actions by both state and non-state actors. As peace processes unfold, acknowledging and empowering Indigenous communities could be key to sustainable solutions, thereby enhancing their role in safeguarding their lands and advocating for their rights.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC has forced Indigenous groups like the Batwa and Bambuti to flee their ancestral lands due to invading armed groups. Human rights violations, including violence and forced labour, have been documented, as these communities see no benefits from mining on their territories. Samuel Ade Ndasi from Minority Rights Group stresses the need for international law compliance to protect Indigenous rights and involvement in decision-making processes regarding resource extraction.
The plight of Indigenous communities in eastern DRC underscores the urgent need for international laws to be respected and enforced to protect their rights. Current conflicts have not only displaced thousands but have also eroded the fabric of these communities, leaving them vulnerable and destitute. A concerted effort to include Indigenous voices in decision-making processes associated with natural resource management is vital for fostering peace and sustainable development in the region.
Original Source: news.mongabay.com
