About IWGIAIndigenous peoples in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The indigenous Pygmies of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are estimated to number around 660,000 people out of a total population of approx 65 million, i.e. 1% of the Congolese population.
They are found in nine of the country’s 11 provinces and, depending on the province, they are known as: Batwa, Cwa, Baka or Mbuti.
Expropriation of indigenous peoples' lands
65% of the DRC is covered in forest. Most indigenous Pygmies live in the forest and depend on it for their survival. They are considered to be the first people or inhabitants of the country. As a direct result of historical and ongoing expropriation of indigenous lands for conservation and logging, many have been forced to abandon their traditional way of life and culture based on hunting and gathering and become landless squatters living on the fringes of settled society. Some have been forced into relationships of bonded labour with Bantu “masters”.
Problems of land access are acute in the east of the DRC, particularly in North and South Kivu where there is a high population density. In Orientale, Equateur and Bandundu provinces, they are victims of the industrial operations that are invading their living spaces.
The creation of protected areas also represents a real problem for the Pygmies, particularly given the strict policing of conservation areas that have been established in all national parks.
The situation of indigenous peoples in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Indigenous peoples’ overall situation is considerably worse than the national population: they experience inferior living conditions and poor access to services such as health and education. Their participation in the DRC’s social and political affairs is low, and they encounter discrimination in various forms, including racial stereotyping, social exclusion and systematic violations of their rights.
Recognition of indigenous peoples rights
Over the last few years, new legal texts have had an influence on advocacy work for the promotion of indigenous rights. These relate, for example, to the 2002 Forest Code, the new 2006 Constitution and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, to which the DRC is a signatory.
Download the 2011 yearbook article on indigenous peoples in Democratic Republic of Congo to read more about major developments and events during 2010
