**Silent Violence in North Kivu: A New Stage of Conflict in Eastern DRC**
The violent clashes currently taking place in Masisi territory, North Kivu, are not simply a reflection of the struggle between the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23/RDF coalition, but also reflect the deep-rooted social and political fractures in this region. As Voltaire Batundi, president of the Masisi territorial civil society coordination, points out, the situation is at a turning point. These new escalations of violence raise questions about the sustainability of peace in the DRC as well as the Congolese government’s ability to respond and assume its responsibilities.
A key element in this dynamic is the role of the “Wazalendo” fighters, which could be interpreted as an attempt by local populations to arm themselves against external aggression. This phenomenon can be seen as a sign of the failure of the Congolese state to ensure the security of its citizens, prompting them to take matters into their own hands. This type of local mobilization could have significant consequences on the very structure of conflicts in the region, renewing the cycle of violence and exclusion.
### An Intensifying Conflict
The balance of power on the ground is constantly evolving. The fact that the FARDC, supported by the Wazalendo, are on the offensive in areas such as Masisi center and Sake, indicates a strategy that seeks to restore the dignity of the Congolese state. However, this offensive is not without challenges. The recent M23 bombings on the Masisi general referral hospital, which caused injuries and created waves of panic among the displaced, show that violence affects not only the combatants, but also the civilian population, thus exacerbating the already existing humanitarian crises.
### The Geopolitical Game and its Repercussions
Underlying these clashes, there is also a complex geopolitical game involving the DRC and Rwanda. The ability of the M23 to expand into Kalehe territory, with control of strategic mining towns, could have significant economic implications. The DRC has one of the largest mining areas in the world, rich in precious minerals such as cobalt and coltan. Conflicts in this region can thus be perceived as a struggle for resources, exacerbating tensions between states and armed groups.
President Félix Tshisekedi, in his speech on 18 January, explicitly mentioned Kigali’s provocations through the M23. While his commitment to protecting national interests is commendable, it is also crucial to ask whether this position does not place him in a situation where dialogue becomes difficult. The memory of past peace agreements is challenging and deserves to be revisited: peace can only quickly come from a compromise, and not from a rigid position.
### The Call for Solidarity and Reflection
The international community, as well as regional organizations, were right to call for the resumption of discussions, through a process such as that of Luanda. Mutual respect for the agreements could foster better coexistence and stabilize the region somewhat. However, it is crucial to articulate these negotiations around the needs of local populations, often invisible in this context of geopolitical tensions.
The armed forces cannot be the only ones to define the dynamics of security and peace. Supporting local initiatives and encouraging inclusive dialogues, taking into account the voices of the populations, could increase the chances of seeing sustainable solutions emerge.
### Conclusion
As North Kivu enters a new period of uncertainty, with the clash of arms to the detriment of civilian lives, the need to reexamine traditional conflictualist approaches is imperative. A balance between military intervention, political dialogue and community support will be crucial to avoid the spiral of violence becoming an inevitability. For the inhabitants of Masisi and the surrounding areas, the need for peace is not just an aspiration, but a vital necessity to rebuild their uncertain future. The tears of the innocent must be transformed into a collective injunction to peace, because at the heart of this conflict, human lives are always at stake.