Luvungi , also known as Itara-Luvungi , is one of the groupements ( groupings ) within the Bafuliiru Chiefdom in the Uvira Territory of the South Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Situated on the Ruzizi Plain , it lies at the borders of Uvira Territory and Walungu Territory , in close proximity to the frontiers of Rwanda and Burundi . Luvungi is home to a population of approximately 85,000 individuals, predominantly consisting of Fuliru agriculturalists who play a vital role in the local community. There's also has a small population of Vira , Bembe , Lega , Shi , Burundians and Banyamulenge . Its economy is founded mainly on subsistence agriculture and the artisanal mining of cassiterite , an ore of tin .
69-416: The precise meaning or origin of the name "Luvungi" is not explicitly specified in the colonial records. According to a report conducted by SERACOB for Uvira Territory , the name "Luvungi" could potentially be a regional adaptation or modification of another name. The name might have derived from the river "Luvubu," while the local farmers referred to it as "Iyombe." The historical and cultural importance of
138-479: A semi-arid climate , influenced by its varied topography and classified under the Köppen–Geiger climate classification . The lower-altitude zones of the territory—comprising Lubarika , Kiliba , and Luberizi —are positioned within the tropical zone (Aw1-3) and lie below 1,000 meters above sea level, receiving an annual precipitation of approximately 1,600 millimeters. Conversely, the high-altitude areas, such as
207-466: A clear development of horizons. For other soils, it may be more convenient to define the soil type just referring to some properties common to the whole soil profile. For example, WRB defines the Arenosols by their sand content. Many soils are more or less strongly influenced by human activities. This is reflected by the definition of many soil types in various classification systems. Because soil type
276-628: A faction of the RCD, killed tens of civilians in Uvira in Uvira Territory. Hundreds of victims were killed during confrontations, while others were executed in search operations after the fighting ended. The soldiers also perpetrated acts of rape against women during these operations. Additionally, on August 6, 1998, elements of RCD-Goma killed 13 people, including the chief of the Kiringye area, in
345-454: A fierce conflict enduring fourteen hours, the fighting remained inconclusive, leading the Germans to retreat. The aftermath of the battle left behind abandoned equipment and the loss of over 60 lives. In the midst of World War I, specifically on January 12, 1915, Luvungi experienced a raid by German forces originating from Ruanda-Urundi in present-day Burundi . The incursion occurred within
414-746: A house in Kakumbukumbu village, five kilometers from Lubarika camp in Uvira Territory. Furthermore, on October 21, 1996, AFDL/APR/FAB units killed around 370 refugees in Luberizi and Mutarule . The soldiers disposed of the victims' bodies in pit latrines , while other bodies were found in houses in the two towns. The AFDL/APR/FAB units continued to launch attacks against Hutu refugees in various parts of Uvira Territory, including Kagunga, Uvira , Kiliba , Ndunda, Ngendo, Mwaba, Bwegera , Sange , Rwenena, Kahororo, 8th CEPZA (Pentecostal Community of Zaire) Church, COTONCO, Rukogero, and Ruzia. By May 1997,
483-440: A pretext for persecution. This led to harassment , arbitrary arrests , violence , and forced expulsions . Such mistreatment, combined with other forms of discrimination and human rights abuses, intensified opposition to Mobutu's regime. Tutsis from Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi rallied behind this opposition, seeking an end to discriminatory practices and the establishment of a more inclusive and just political system. However,
552-552: A sense of exclusion and resentment among the Tutsi population. This exclusionary policy caused discontent and sparked tensions, particularly with Rwanda and Uganda , as they had supported Kabila's rise to power. In response, a faction of Tutsi soldiers, with the support of Rwandan and Ugandan armies, formed a rebel group known as the Rally for Congolese Democracy (RCD) aimed at overthrowing President Laurent-Désiré Kabila. During
621-456: A series of armed conflicts and persistent political instability . Competition over land, resources, and political control have contributed to heightened tensions and rampant violence in the territory. Furthermore, the reverberating effects of conflicts in neighboring countries, including Burundi and Rwanda, have periodically exacerbated insecurity in the region. During the Rwandan genocide ,
690-956: A significant water body in the region. It provides water for irrigation and supports agricultural activities. The river collects water from several rivers originating from the hills of Burundi and the western part of the Ruzizi Plain . The most important rivers in the Congolese part are the Luvimvi River in Katogota , the Luvubu River in Lubarika , the Luvungi River in Luvungi , the Luberizi River in Luberizi ,
759-559: A swift military operation to plagued regions in the Ruzizi Plain as well as in Walungu Territory , Kabare Territory , Kalehe Territory , and Shabunda Territory . Luvungi and its surrounding areas experienced numerous casualties, displacement of locals, and a large-scale exodus of people seeking refuge in the middle plateaus of the Itara-Luvungi groupement . During times of conflict and insecurity in various parts of
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#1732786952704828-657: Is a territory located in South Kivu Province in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo . Encompassing an area of roughly 3,146 kilometers and with a population estimate of 1,165,092 as of 2020, it is bordered by Walungu Territory to the north, Mwenga Territory to the west, and Fizi Territory to the south. The territory's southeastern boundary is defined by the city of Uvira , which attained city status on 13 June 2019, while
897-554: Is a very general and widely used term, many soil classification systems do not use it for their definitions. The USDA soil taxonomy has six hierarchical levels that are named order, suborder, great group, subgroup, family, and series. The WRB calls the first level Reference Soil Group. The second level in WRB is constructed by adding qualifiers, and for the result (the Reference Soil Group plus the qualifiers), no taxonomic term
966-533: Is an area with a diverse range of soil types , including sandy , gravelly , black alluvial , and clayey soils, each with unique characteristics that impact agricultural practices and land use . Notably, the area is home to various water bodies , including the Ruvubu River that flows into the Ruzizi River , which contributes to the formation of alluvial deposits along their banks and influences
1035-528: Is predominantly practiced on an artisanal scale in Lake Tanganyika . Local fish species include tilapia , catfish , Tanganyika sardine (locally called ndakala or sambaza), protopterus (njombo), Astatotilapia burtoni (Kijoli), clarias (kambale), Tanganyika killifish , sleek lates (mikeke), Lake Tanganyika sprat , and Nile perch . The territory is characterized by its dynamic import , export , and cross-border commerce, coupled with
1104-465: Is predominantly spoken from Kiliba to the Ruvimvi River, while Kijoba is spoken from Kalyamabenga to Sanza, historically serving as the boundary between Vira and Bembe communities. Kivira, a hybrid language resulting from the convergence of Kifuliiru and Kijoba, is spoken from Kalyamabenga to Kiliba. Additionally, other languages such as Mashi , Kibembe , and Kinyarwanda are present in
1173-528: Is renowned for its fertile soils , making it an agriculturally productive region. The village is crossed by the Ruvubu River, which flows into the larger Ruzizi River . The Ruvubu River serves as a key waterway , contributing to the agricultural and economic activities of the area. Additionally, the Munyovwe River, a tributary of the Ruvubu, traverses through Luvungi, providing a water source for
1242-411: Is robust, featuring 22 maritime agencies and 15 land-based operators, while 44 hotels and guesthouses cater to the needs of both local and international visitors. As of 2014, the territory registered 1,145 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) alongside 27 large-scale corporations operating in the territory. The predominant languages are Swahili , Kifuliiru , Kivira , and Kijoba . Kifuliiru
1311-540: The Arabized populace in the territory of Bafuliiru. The creation of these chiefdoms was met with fierce resistance by Mwami Mahima Mukogabwe, a Fuliiru chieftain of Bafuliiru Chiefdom ( Chefferie de Bafuliiru ), who considered it an encroachment on the authority of his chiefdom. In the 1950s and 1960s, the region hosted a third wave of immigrants during the Rwandan Revolution , a period which experienced
1380-867: The Precambrian and Quaternary periods. In the Ruzizi Plain, which forms a significant part of the territory, soils can be classified into black earth of the Chernozem group, Solonchak -type soils, and alkaline variants. The subsoil is rich in mineral resources, including cassiterite in Lemera and Luvungi , gold in Luberizi and Bijombo, aquamarine in Ndolera, iron in the Munanira Mountains, and amethyst in Kalungwe. Despite
1449-466: The Ruzizi River . Moving forward to October 21, 1996, AFDL/APR/FAB units killed an unknown number of Rwandan and Burundian refugees, as well as Zairian civilians who were trying to escape the village after the departure of the FAZ in Lubarika village of Uvira Territory. The soldiers forced local people to bury the bodies in four large mass graves. On the same day, soldiers also burned thirty refugees alive in
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#17327869527041518-943: The Sange River in Sange , and the Runingu River in Runingu in the Uvira Territory. The rivers found in the city of Uvira include the Kiliba Rivers (which flow into the Ruzizi), Kavimvira, Mulongwe, and Kalimabenge. These three large rivers cross the city of Uvira and flow directly into Lake Tanganyika . Uvira Territory is home to a variety of soil types and mineral resources . Predominantly sandy soils dominate, with zones of sandy loam and intermittent sandy clay . The northwestern basin of Lake Tanganyika, encompassing Uvira , features geological formations from both
1587-494: The coastal plains near Lake Tanganyika to 3,250 meters in the mountainous regions. This diverse landscape includes coastal plains, rolling foothills, and steep mountain slopes, all intersected by numerous waterways that drain into Lake Tanganyika and Ruzizi River . The highlands are characterized by rich green vegetation, including forests and savannahs, which support a diverse range of flora and fauna . The Ruzizi River links Lake Kivu to Lake Tanganyika , serving as
1656-599: The colonial period , the Belgian administration established chiefdoms as a part of their governance system . Luvungi became a part of the Bafuliru Chiefdom , which was created in 1921. The chiefdoms served as local administrative units representing the central government . Luvungi lies within the Ruzizi Plain , a vast low-lying area extending between the Mitumba mountain chain and the Ruzizi River . The plain
1725-474: The groupement . Each village is led by its own local leadership or representatives who work collaboratively with the overall administration of the Bafuliiru Chiefdom . Luvungi groupement is subdivided into 10 villages: The Luvungi groupement , like many other regions in the Ruzizi Plain , has been confronted with various conflicts and security challenges. It has been significantly affected by
1794-457: The groupements of Kijaga, Kalungwe, Kitundu, Kabindula, Katala, Kagando, and Muhungu, where extensive fields support local livelihoods. Territory's economy is also bolstered by its livestock farming , including cattle , pigs , goats , and poultry . Government agencies , non-governmental organizations , and development partners collaborate to provide technical assistance , training programs, and financial support to farmers. Fishing
1863-546: The humanitarian crisis in the region. On October 6, 1996, the AFDL and members of the Banyamulenge-led armed group committed a massacre at Lemera Hospital in Uvira Territory, South Kivu Province. Numerous patients, including Hutu refugees, Zairian soldiers, and Zairian civilians perished as a result. The UN Mapping Report estimates that about 37 persons were killed in their beds with bayonets or gunshots. During
1932-728: The AFDL and Banyamulenge armed forces had taken over large swaths of the nation and captured the capital, Kinshasa . Laurent-Désiré Kabila took over as president after Mobutu left the country, dubbing it the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In the Second Congo War , the region experienced intense armed conflicts , turning it into a major battleground. After assuming power in 1997, Laurent-Désiré Kabila 's government faced accusations of marginalizing and discriminating against Tutsis . Kabila's government excluded Tutsis from positions of influence and power , leading to
2001-676: The Bavira paramount. The Bafulirru gradually occupied several localities in Uvira, intermarried with Bavira, and some were assimilated into Fuliiru clans. In the second half of the 19th century, Banyarwanda and Barundi pastoralists from the mountainous regions of Rwanda and Burundi settled in the area. They were accommodated by Fuliiru chiefs and established themselves in Vira and the Fuliiru territories of Mulenge and Upper Sange . During
2070-528: The DRC, sexual violence has been wielded as a weapon to instill fear, exert control, and inflict deep trauma upon individuals and communities. Women , girls , and occasionally even men have endured sexual assault , rape , and other manifestations of gender-based violence . In 2010, approximately 200 women were reportedly victims of mass rape within the Luvungi groupement of the Bafuliiru Chiefdom , despite
2139-778: The Kawizi and Kambekulu Rivers, with the Vira people as its main population. The Ruzizi Plain Chiefdom, located in the eastern section along the Ruzizi River and the road connecting Bukavu to Uvira, is primarily home to the Fuliiru people. These chiefdoms coexist with administrative management posts located in Makobola, Luvungi , Mulenge , and Kagando, which ensure efficient local governance. 7 groupings 5 groupings 4 groupings The territory has three rural municipalities with less than 80,000 voters: The Bazoba fishermen were
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2208-717: The RPA and the Forces Armées Burundaises (FAB). Their involvement in pursuing Hutu refugees and overthrowing Mobutu Sese Seko 's government was marked by human rights abuses . These abuses were driven by Mobutu's authoritarian regime , which marginalized , discriminated against, and persecuted Banyamulenge . Policies implemented by Mobutu's government specifically targeted Banyamulenge, denying them political, social, and economic opportunities. Banyamulenge were accused of aligning with external forces of Rwanda , Burundi , Uganda , and Tanzania and used this as
2277-449: The RPA, AFDL, and FAB faced accusations of committing human rights violations. Reports indicate that these forces engaged in indiscriminate attacks on civilians, extrajudicial killings , sexual violence , and forced displacement . They targeted Hutu refugee camps in eastern Zaire , where large populations of Hutu civilians were living in dire conditions. Consequently, the actions of the RPA contributed to civilian casualties and exacerbated
2346-703: The Uvira Territory housed a substantial number of Hutu refugees , along with ex- FAR / Interahamwe elements and Burundian CNDD-FDD rebels, who were escaping the advance of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) and sought safety and sanctuary in the territory. At the beginning of the First Congo War , the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (AFDL), a rebel coalition led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila , received support from
2415-411: The abolition of the Rwandan monarchy and the establishment of a Hutu -dominated government. Consequently, numerous Tutsis who were affiliated with the oppressive monarchy, including their Umwami (King), sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Uganda , Congo-Léopoldville , and Tanzania , resulting in their mass exodus. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) facilitated
2484-679: The bodies in mass graves . On the same day, October 20, 1996, AFDL/APR/FAB units killed an unspecified number of refugees, including around twenty in the camp's hospital in Kanganiro camp at Luvungi in Uvira Territory. They also killed an unknown number of refugees who had sought shelter in the homes of Zairian civilians at Luvingi. Additionally, on October 20, 1996, AFDL/APR/FAB units killed an unknown number of refugees and Zairian civilians who were fleeing towards Burundi in Rubenga village of Uvira Territory. The victims' bodies were then discarded in
2553-699: The broader context of the East African Campaign . Despite being a relatively small-scale operation, the raid resulted in German defeat, and their commander, Karl Schimmer, was killed. In 1920, a post station was officially established under the leadership of J. Cunds. Thereupon, negotiations took place between Chief Kabwika and the territorial authorities to address the administrative challenges encountered in Luvungi. The newly established post witnessed rapid stability and progress. Infrastructure development, including road construction, attracted settlers from
2622-616: The colonial era (1908–1960), the region hosted a second wave of immigrants who arrived as part of the Mission d'immigration des Banyarwanda (MIB), a movement to transplant Banyarwanda to the Belgian Congo driven by the Belgian colonial authorities who needed a workforce in European plantations and the mines of Union Minière du Haut Katanga . In 1928, the Belgian colonial power created new chiefdoms for Barundi, Banyarwanda, and
2691-522: The eastern hills and high plateaus, perpetuating violence and instability. In June 2014, around 35 people were killed in an attack in the South Kivu village of Mutarule . The attack was apparently part of dispute over cattle. Uvira Territory is primarily driven by agriculture , which serves as the foundation of employment, income generation, food security , and trade . Subsistence farming dominates agricultural activities, particularly in
2760-532: The eastern perimeter adjoins the Republic of Burundi and Lake Tanganyika . Within the territory, Kiliba and Sange serve as significant towns. The territory is located 120 km from Bukavu , 88 km from Baraka , and 26.5 km from Bujumbura . National Road 5 serves as its main transportation route, linking Bukavu in the north and Lubumbashi in the south. The local economy relies heavily on agriculture , livestock farming , fishing , and commerce , including
2829-699: The establishment of the Bavira , the Bahamba clan of the Fuliiru people migrated to the area alongside eight other clans. According to Alfred Moeller de Laddersous , the Bahamba ( Wahamba ) clan changed their eponym to Bafuliiru. Consequently, the Bafuliiru clashed with the Bavira at the Kiliba River , after which the Bafuliiru established themselves north of the Bavira and partially within Bavira territory. They had their own paramount leader who did not depend on
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2898-492: The first classification system of the United States (Whitney, 1909), the soil type was the lowest level and the mapping unit. For the definition of soil types, some systems use primarily such characteristics that are the result of soil-forming processes ( pedogenesis ). An example is the German soil systematics. Other systems combine characteristics resulting from soil-forming processes and characteristics inherited from
2967-543: The first to settle in the region. They settled along the shores of Lake Tanganyika and relied heavily on the lake's resources for their sustenance and livelihoods . In the 17th century, the Banyalenge immigrants, led by their chief Lenge, settled in the region around Lake Tanganyika, coming from Lwindi near the Ulindi River in the mountainous hinterland. Over time, they became known as the Bavira . Following
3036-457: The landscape. This diversity allows for the cultivation of a wide range of crops , including maize , bush beans , cowpea , cassava , cabbage , potatoes , paddy rice , carrots , soybeans , amaranth , onions , bananas , and spring onions , rendering Luvungi and its environs renowned as one of the country's best-stocked granaries. The Luvungi groupement (grouping) is subdivided into several smaller units commonly known as villages within
3105-590: The local inhabitants. Luvungi, similar to many areas in the South Kivu Province , encounters a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons all year round. The rainy season spans for about nine months, starting from September and stretching until May, with frequent rainfall. Conversely, Luvungi experiences a three-month dry season from June to August, significantly reducing the precipitation levels . The region receives an average annual rainfall of approximately 940 millimeters (Pmm), which contributes to its fertile soil and agricultural productivity . Luvungi
3174-462: The middle and high plateaus to the Ruzizi Plain . Prior to the arrival of the Belgians , the Bafuliiru Chiefdom was under the reign of Mwami Kalingishi, a member of the Bahamba clan of Fulliru people . As the king, Kalingishi held significant authority, and all power was concentrated within the ruling family . This consolidation of power extended to the various groups known as "Baluzi". During
3243-739: The middle of the dry season in July. Relative insolation levels also exhibit variability, with monthly averages oscillating between 35% and 60% during the wet season (October to April) and rising to 50% to 80% in the dry season (May to September). July typically records the highest levels of solar radiation . Initially recognized by the royal decree of 28 March 1912 as part of the Kivu District , Uvira Territory's boundaries and organization were later refined by Ordinance-Law No. 21/91 of 25 February 1938 and subsequent amendments, including Decree-Law No. 67/221 of 3 May 1967. These legal frameworks defined
3312-589: The name likely stems from the indigenous customs and heritage of the Fuliru community. Until 1904, the Itara-Luvungi groupement was under the administration of Uvira , which was governed by the Congo Free State . In the 1910s, the region served as a major battleground for various European powers vying for control. On September 29, 1913, the Germans initiated an attack against the Belgians . Following
3381-575: The night of October 13 to 14, 1996, the AFDL and Banyamulenge armed units killed four refugees and injured seven others in the Runingu camp in Uvira Territory. Moving on to October 20, 1996, AFDL/APR/FAB units killed approximately 100 Burundian and Rwandan Hutu refugees in Itara I and II refugee camps near Luvungi village in Uvira Territory. In the neighboring village of Katala, they captured and killed refugees at point-blank range who were attempting to flee. The soldiers then compelled local people to bury
3450-628: The parent material. Examples are the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) and the USDA soil taxonomy . Other systems do not ask whether the properties are the result of soil formation or not. An example is the Australian Soil Classification . A convenient way to define a soil type is referring to soil horizons . However, this is not always possible because some very initial soils may not even have
3519-558: The plateaus of Sange , and Katobo, are located within the high and medium-altitude tropical zone, which ranges between 1,000 and 2,800 meters above sea level. These elevated regions also experience an annual rainfall of around 1,600 mm, despite their differing climatic characteristics. The territory experiences a pronounced biphasic seasonal cycle, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons . The dry season extends from May to October, characterized by minimal precipitation, except for occasional storms that provide some rain. In contrast,
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#17327869527043588-447: The presence of United Nations peacekeepers nearby. Margot Wallstrom , addressing the United Nations Security Council , expressed her shock and condemnation, deeming these acts as "unimaginable and unacceptable" upon discovering the possible involvement of Congolese government soldiers as perpetrators. 2°52′S 29°02′E / 2.86°S 29.03°E / -2.86; 29.03 Uvira Territory Uvira Territory
3657-486: The presence of various armed groups, encompassing both local militias and foreign factions. On October 20, 1996, during the First Congo War , Luvungi experienced a massacre when the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL), Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), and Forces Armées Burundaises (FAB) units targeted the refugee camps in Bafuliiru Chiefdom . Approximately 100 Burundian and Rwandan Hutu refugees were killed in Luvungi refugee camps. On
3726-696: The prevalence of Acacia kirkii , provide a transitional zone between grassland and forested areas. Xerophilous groves also contribute to the landscape, adapting to drier conditions. Forests, though now reduced to relic patches, are found primarily in transitional zones between savanna and forest ecosystems. The region is also home to several medicinal plants valued by the local population, including Syzygium guineense , Tetradenia riparia , Plantago palmata , and Rhus vulgaris . Some of these plants have been analyzed in vitro by Congolese scientists, revealing their phytochemical properties, though many remain understudied. Uvira Territory experiences
3795-798: The sale of agricultural and fishing products that significantly contribute to the territory's revenue. Imports include wheat flour , sugar , rice , iodized salt , vegetable oil , tomatoes , and vehicle parts . The territory is further supported by artisanal soap manufacturing units, bakeries , guesthouses , hotels , and transportation services . The key commercial hubs are in Kiliba and Sange , with additional ones located in Uvira city . Leading firms include Kotecha Company, famous for its Supermatch brand; Maison SHEN/MED, specializing in sports equipment ; Ets Maki, dealing in household goods ; and Datco House. Other businesses include Maison KASH/ND/Kazuba for tools , KAJ/NGA MUSAF/R/ Depot, and Maison Mbuguje, an oil supplier . The transportation sector
3864-408: The sale of agricultural products and essential goods. Uvira Territory is located between the Ruzizi Plain to the east and the Mitumba Mountains to the west, forming part of the western branch of the East African Rift system. This area lies within the Albertine Rift , a sub-region of the Great Rift Valley . Its topography features a stepped relief, with altitudes ranging from 770 meters in
3933-508: The same day, the AFDL/APR/FAB units also killed an unknown number of refugees, including around twenty in the camp's hospital in Kanganiro camp in Bafuliiru Chiefdom. Additionally, they targeted and killed an unknown number of refugees who sought shelter in the homes of Zairian civilians in Luvingi. Moving forward to October 21, 1996, the AFDL/RPA/FAB units resumed their violence, killing an unknown number of Rwandan and Burundian refugees, as well as Zairian civilians who were attempting to flee
4002-513: The science that deals with the systematic categorization of soils. Every soil of the world belongs to a certain soil type. Soil type is an abstract term. In nature, you will not find soil types. You will find soils that belong to a certain soil type. In hierarchical soil classification systems, soil types mostly belong to the higher or intermediate level. A soil type can normally be subdivided into subtypes, and in many systems several soil types can be combined to entities of higher category. However, in
4071-409: The settlement of refugees in historically significant sites such as Lemera , Mulenge , and Katobo , mirroring the locations where their predecessors sought refuge in the 19th century. Many of these refugees ended up dispersing throughout various parts of the Kivu Region and settling in some of its most remote and inaccessible areas. Over the course of three decades, the region has been plagued by
4140-705: The significant mineral endowment, large-scale industrial exploitation remains absent. Instead, the mining sector is dominated by artisanal methods , yielding considerable yet undocumented outputs through informal practices. Five primary vegetation types can be identified: marshes and marshy meadows , which are predominantly populated by macrophytes and reeds ; grassy savannas dominated by species such as Imperata cylindrica , Hyparrhenia spp. , Eragrostis spp. , Urochloa eminii ( Brachiaria ruziziensis or Congo grass), and Pennisetum spp . These savannas serve as vital agricultural and pastoral reserves for local communities. Wooded savannas, characterized by
4209-431: The territorial configuration, which remains largely intact today. Uvira Territory consists of two urban centers , three chiefdoms , four administrative posts, and three communes . Established on 25 February 1938, the territory originally included three urban centers: Uvira , Kiliba , and Sange , all of which were elevated to city status by Presidential Order No. 87/723 on 29 June 1987. Later, on 13 June 2019, Uvira
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#17327869527044278-422: The territory, albeit in a secondary capacity . Notably, Swahili acts as the unifying language , transcending these diverse groups and serving as the most widely spoken language in the region. Soil type A soil type is a taxonomic unit in soil science . All soils that share a certain set of well-defined properties form a distinctive soil type. Soil type is a technical term of soil classification ,
4347-425: The two towns. In the Second Congo War , with the emergence of the Rally for Congolese Democracy ( Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie ; RCD), conflicts in the Ruzizi Plain escalated following the power shift and the coalition formed by the Banyamulenge and Barundi against the Bafuliiru , particularly in Luvungi and Sange . The RCD forces took control of certain provincial mineral resources, leading to
4416-450: The village after the departure of the Zairian Armed Forces (FAZ) in Lubarika village, located in the Luvungi groupement of Bafuliiru Chiefdom. The soldiers forced local residents to bury the bodies in four large mass graves . Incidentally, on the same day, around 370 refugees were killed in Luberizi and Mutarule by the AFDL/RPA/FAB units. The victims' bodies were disposed of in pit latrines , while others were discovered in houses in
4485-411: The village of Lwiburule, located 53 kilometers northwest of Uvira. Moreover, on August 6, 1998, elements of the RCD-Goma and RPA killed 15 people in the area around Kivovo, Kigongo, and Kalungwe villages, located 11 kilometers south of Uvira in Uvira Territory. In the Uvira Territory town of Katogota on May 14, 2000, RCD-Goma carried out a massacre that left more than 300 people dead. Efforts to end
4554-518: The war gained traction in 2002, resulting in the signing of the Sun City Agreement in South Africa . The agreement aimed to establish a transitional government and a roadmap for peace and stability in the DRC. The war officially concluded in July 2003 with the signing of the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement on Transition in Kinshasa . However, despite the formal end of the conflict, the region continued to face significant challenges in achieving lasting peace and stability. Armed groups persisted in
4623-461: The war, various factions, including government forces, rebel groups, and foreign militias, committed atrocities and human rights abuses. Civilians, regardless of their ethnicity, suffered during the conflict, with widespread displacement , sexual violence , and other war-related atrocities affecting communities across the country. On August 6, 1998, the Rally for Congolese Democracy–Goma ( Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie-Goma ; RCD-Goma),
4692-459: The wet season spans November to May, bringing sustained rainfall to the region. Temperature patterns in Uvira Territory are influenced by the seasonal cycle. Monthly average temperatures fluctuate between 22.5°C and 25°C throughout the year. Peak maximum temperatures, ranging from 30.5°C to 32.5°C, manifest toward the conclusion of the dry season in September. Conversely, the lowest minimum temperatures, between 14.5°C and 17°C, are recorded during
4761-415: Was reclassified as a city through Presidential Decree No. 13/029, leaving Kiliba and Sange as the principal towns within the territory. Three chiefdoms— Bafuliiru , Bavira, and the Ruzizi Plain—define the territory. The Bafuliiru Chiefdom occupies the northern area between the Luvinvi and Kawizi Rivers and is predominantly inhabited by the Fuliiru people . The Bavira Chiefdom lies to the south, between
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