Pygmy Peoples in Congo-Kinshasa in Peril
3/16/98
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RELAYED TEXT STARTS HERE:
Title: Pygmy Peoples in Congo-Kinshasa in Peril
Source: Forest Peoples Programme/World Rainforest Movement UK Office
1c Fosseway Business Park, Stratford Rd,
Moreton-in-Marsh, UK, GL56 9NQ
tel: +44 (0)1608 652893 fax: +44 (0)1608 652878
email: wrm@gn.apc.org
Status: Distribute freely with proper credit to source
Date: 3/16/98
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FOREST PEOPLES PROGRAMME
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INFORMATION BULLETIN
"Pygmy" peoples in Eastern Congo-Kinshasa are caught up in the
continuing polarisation and increasing violent conflicts between Hutu and
Tutsi in the region bordering Rwanda and Burundi.
The indigenous peoples' organisation Programme d'Integration et de
Developpement du Peuple Pygm,e au Kivu (PIDP-Kivu) has sent the following
report on the situation of "Pygmies" living in the vicinity of the
Kahuzi-Biega National Park:
"PYGMIES" IN PERIL.
The Bambuti "Pygmies" were the first inhabitants of the Kahuzi forest,
which is situated in the Kabare district of South Kivu, Democratic Republic
of Congo, 25 km from the town of Bukavu. The Kahuzi-Biega forest was made a
national park in 1970. The government of the time brutally evicted all the
"Pygmies" living there, without compensation or resettlement on alternative
lands. As a result, these unfortunate people came to live in the riverine
villages around the park - Muyange, Cibuga, Combo, Kamakome, Mulangala,
Tshibati, Lushasha, Buhama and Muziku.
Our province has welcomed thousands of Rwandan refugees. After the war of
liberation of our country, some refugees were able to return home. However,
the armed Rwandan militia (INTERAHAMWE) and the ex- army of the former
Rwandan president Habyarimana (Forces Arm,es Rwandais (FAR)) established
themselves in the interior of the Kahuzi-Biega forest. They are in alliance
with the Mai-Mai, a movement determined to drive all Rwandans out of the
Eastern Congo, targetting Tutsis in particular. The Mai-Mai object to the
Congolese authorities' promotion of the long-term Tutsi residents of the
Kivu area (known as Banyamulenge) to public office and high positions in
provincial government. These armed groups have become bandits, pillaging
and burning the huts of the "Pygmies" living around the park, and so forcing
a massive displacement of "Pygmies" into the Bantu villages further away.
More than 525 families have been forced out of their homes, and are facing
very difficult conditions.
Some of the authorities have erroneously labelled the "Pygmies" as Mai-Mai,
because they live close to the forest. We managed to get assistance from
the International Red Cross Committee who provided food and materials for
only 200 "Pygmy" families, before the military authorities halted the
humanitarian assistance on the grounds that it was supporting the Mai-Mai.
The Coordinator of PIDP-Kivu, Kapupu Diwa Mutimanwa, was arrested during the
distribution of goods to the families under accusation of being the
president of the Mai-Mai. The situation of some "Pygmy" families is very
serious. We are therefore asking for urgent aid to support the displaced
families, which should be channelled either PIDP-Kivu and other local
organisations, or UNICEF, OXFAM and Save the Children. Other international
agencies (UN High Commission for Refugees, CARITAS and the International Red
Cross Committee) are no longer allowed access to the interior of the province.
Forest Peoples Programme/World Rainforest Movement UK Office
1c Fosseway Business Park, Stratford Rd,
Moreton-in-Marsh, UK, GL56 9NQ
tel: +44 (0)1608 652893 fax: +44 (0)1608 652878
email: wrm@gn.apc.org