**North Kivu: A new episode of violence between FARDC and M23/AFC in a context of prolonged instability**
On January 15, in the tumultuous region of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, violent clashes took place between the Congolese army (FARDC) and the M23/AFC rebels, testifying once again to the incessant cycle of violence that is plaguing this part of the country. What these events reveal is not only a military confrontation, but also a complex reality fueled by socio-political and economic issues.
**A mapping of conflicts: the revealing areas of clashes**
The stellar fighting in the territories of Nyiragongo, Masisi and Rutshuru is not limited to simple battles. It highlights a geographical fragmentation that specifies the terrain of confrontation and is expressed in a map of rivalries. In Nyiragongo territory, the Kibumba hills are becoming a theatre of military operations where the FARDC are attempting to regain control while allying themselves with the Wazalendo community forces. This type of collaboration, while important, also reflects despair in the face of the state’s inability to impose its legitimacy.
In Masisi, the M23’s reoccupation of Ngungu illustrates the region’s fluctuating power dynamics. In a landscape where alliances form and dissolve according to interests, the civilian population continues to suffer, exposed to the violence of a seemingly endless war. The absence of stable institutions only increases the sense of urgency for residents, who find themselves caught between the warring factions.
**A latent humanitarian crisis**
Beyond the clashes, this situation is exacerbating an already alarming humanitarian crisis. According to United Nations data, North Kivu is home to more than 5 million internally displaced people, a number that continues to rise in the face of intensified hostilities. The impact on the daily lives of the Congolese is devastating: limited access to clean water, frequent interruptions to health care, and devastation of crops.
Recent reports indicate that more than 3.6 million children under the age of five are malnourished in the region, a figure that underscores the gravity of the situation. The war is affecting not only infrastructure, but also the social fabric, further widening the divide between different communities.
**Economic stakes: the battle for natural resources**
Another dimension to consider is the region’s natural wealth, including minerals such as coltan, tantalum, and gold. North Kivu is rich in resources, but the management of these resources remains contested. Armed groups, including the M23, exploit these resources to finance their operations, often in collaboration with or against the State, thus creating a system where violence becomes both a means and an end.
In this context, the international community must not only take a critical look at recent events, but also act to put in place a sustainable peace strategy. The issue of natural resources could be a lever for establishing stability, if it were managed in a transparent and inclusive manner.
**The role of regional and international actors**
The precarious situation in North Kivu also calls for reflection on the role of regional and international actors. While the East African Community has committed to fostering dialogue between the belligerents, the results have so far been mixed. Mediation efforts must be intensified and broadened to include the voices of the inhabitants, who are often excluded from formal negotiations. Furthermore, increased vigilance is required to prevent humanitarian aid from falling into the hands of armed groups, a phenomenon observed in other conflict regions.
**Conclusion: Towards a sustainable peace?**
The outbreak of violence on 15 January in North Kivu resonates as an echo of the persistent challenges in the DRC. The clashes between the FARDC and the M23/AFC are not only armed conflicts, but a reflection of a multidimensional crisis that requires in-depth analysis and strong political will to achieve sustainable solutions. The instability that has lasted so long is an obligatory passage towards a more peaceful tomorrow, provided that the lessons of the past are integrated into the construction of a better future for the Congolese people.
At a time when the international community is watching with renewed attention, it is imperative to operate a paradigm shift, by placing the voice of the people, equity in the sharing of resources and a real commitment to peace at the centre of concerns.