**Conflict in North Kivu: Echoes of Violence and the Impact on Civilians**
The landscape of North Kivu, already marked by years of conflict, is once again experiencing tragic convulsions. On January 18, 2025, clashes between the Congolese army, supported by Wazalendo militias, and the rebels of the M23/AFC coalition, with the support of the Rwandan army, continued around Ngungu. This resurgence of violence, which is entering its third day, illustrates the geopolitical and social complexities that inhabit this region, and highlights the human tragedies that result from it.
**An Alarming Humanitarian Situation**
The recent clashes show an alarming increase in violence that affects not only the belligerents, but also the civilian populations whose lives are disrupted in an endless spiral. The violence, heard in the twilight of the night with the detonations of heavy weapons, is not simply a war cry; it is the sound of broken families and, often, of lost lives.
Reports from the field reveal massive displacements of populations, particularly of inhabitants of the villages between Kabingu and Remeka. These movements, often desperate, are a response to the immediate and constant threats to their security. According to statistics provided by the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Affairs, more than 1.5 million people have already been displaced in North Kivu in 2024, a figure that continues to rise as the conflicts intensify. The crisis is compounded by a humanitarian catastrophe, marked by limited access to aid and essential services.
**A Conflict Rooted in History: Between Rwanda and the DRC**
What distinguishes this conflict is its historical roots in complex regional dynamics. The recurring tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) go back decades, with identity, political and economic issues at stake. The M23 coalition, formed in 2012, is a vivid illustration of this struggle for territorial control and resources, exacerbated by the Rwandan intervention that raises questions of national sovereignty and regional security.
The natural resources of North Kivu, notably coltan and gold, represent a significant economic stake, attracting non-state and state actors in what could be called a war for wealth. A comparative analysis with other conflicts across the African continent, such as that of Darfur, shows that the exploitation of natural resources is often a catalyst for violence and instability.
**International Responses and Humanitarian Engagement**
In this chaotic situation, the actions of the international community sometimes seem reactive rather than proactive. The intervention of MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) has not always yielded the desired results. Critics argue that the mission should be more proactive in protecting civilians and facilitating dialogue between stakeholders. The need for a true partnership between local actors, NGOs, MONUSCO and governments is crucial to stabilizing the region.
Local initiatives, such as those proposed by some civil society organizations, offer hope by promoting community dialogue and reconciliation. Their long-term approach differentiates pacification efforts from simple security measures.
**Conclusion: The Call for Peace and Solidarity**
As gunshots continue to echo around Ngungu, it is imperative not to lose sight of the humanism that must guide responses to these crises. History teaches us that lasting peace cannot be bought; It is built with courage, cooperation and a sincere commitment to the well-being of all citizens. The voices of the displaced, victims and communities must be heard, because they hold essential keys to resolving this human tragedy.
In geopolitics, peace is not only the absence of war, but a continuous process of dialogue and adjustments necessary to meet the basic needs of the populations. The international community has a role to play, but above all, it is the Congolese who must take charge of the boat of their destiny, with the support of partners who believe in a stable and prosperous DRC.