The civil conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly involving the Mulenge community, is part of a complex and long-standing series of ethnic and political tensions in the eastern regions of the country. The Mulenge are a subgroup of the Banyamulenge, a Tutsi-speaking community primarily living in the South Kivu province of the DRC.

The conflict in this area is deeply rooted in issues such as land disputes, ethnic rivalries, political marginalization, and competition over natural resources. The Banyamulenge, including the Mulenge subgroup, have often been caught in violent clashes with other ethnic groups such as the Bembe, Bafuliru, and Babembe, among others.

These tensions escalated during the First and Second Congo Wars (1996-1997 and 1998-2003), where various armed groups and foreign armies became involved, further complicating the situation. The Banyamulenge have sometimes been accused of having ties to neighboring Rwanda, which has fueled mistrust and violence.

Efforts to resolve the conflict have included peace agreements, disarmament campaigns, and attempts at dialogue between communities. However, instability persists due to ongoing disputes, the presence of armed militias, and challenges in governance.

Understanding the conflict around the Mulenge community requires recognizing the broader historical, ethnic, and political context in eastern DRC, as well as the impact of regional dynamics involving neighboring countries.