Kisangani Hydroelectric Dam Site Threatened by Illegal Occupation

The Kisangani hydroelectric dam faces a serious threat from erosion, stemming from the illegal occupation of its site. This area is officially designated as a protected zone, and the ongoing encroachment could lead to significant environmental damage, local civil society groups warned on Friday, June 12, 2026.

The issue was a central focus of a public forum held at the Kisangani Pastoral Center. Despite the provincial governor's order authorizing land division being suspended, the destruction of the Tshopo loop persists. Civil society organizations are refusing to stand down in the face of this disregard for the governor's decision.

François Lemba, program manager at the Working Group for Decentralization and Elections, explained the purpose of their mobilization efforts. "We want the population to identify themselves, to understand the problems, threats, challenges, and stakes of the Tshopo loop," he stated. The implications of this situation extend beyond Kisangani.

Alphonse Maindo, director of TROPENBOS DRC, noted that the Democratic Republic of Congo has committed to preserving 30% of its territory as forest cover by 2030. To contribute to this goal locally, he proposed three urgent actions: securing a complete annulment of the land division order, mobilizing necessary resources from partners to restore the reserve, and evicting the current occupants. Environmental expert Aubin Mbalanga supports this view, believing it is time to escalate efforts and use more forceful measures.

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We want the population to identify themselves, to understand the problems, threats, challenges, and stakes of the Tshopo loop…