At the heart of the political turmoil shaking the Rutshuru region in North Kivu province, a most worrying situation seems to be emerging. The civil society forces vives of Rutshuru are expressing their concern about an ongoing project aimed at installing a parallel administration by the M23 rebels. This initiative, according to information recently disclosed by the instigators of this movement, aims to appoint new executives to head several cities across the territory of Rutshuru.
The reactions were not long in coming. Jean-Claude Bambanze, president of the territorial coordination of the civil society forces vives of Rutshuru, expressed legitimate concern about this enterprise which tends to establish de facto a state within the state. Appointments made within the local authorities corroborate this stated desire to set up a parallel administrative structure.
It is undeniable that this situation raises fundamental questions regarding the authority and sovereignty of the Congolese State in this region. The consolidation of power by rebel entities and the establishment of an autonomous administration call into question the integrity and legitimacy of the institutions in place.
Faced with this threat of balkanization, it is imperative that the Congolese authorities react promptly to reaffirm their sovereignty over the entire national territory. The urgency of an intervention to restore government authority in the Rutshuru region is felt urgently.
This situation highlights the fragility of the Congolese State and the need for strong and united governance to counter separatist tendencies and attempts at destabilization. It is imperative that national and international authorities take the measure of this threat weighing on the territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ultimately, the vigilance and mobilization of civil society, political actors and international bodies are essential to preserve the unity and cohesion of the Congo. The fight against any form of partition or external interference must be an absolute priority to guarantee peace and stability in the region and throughout the country.