### Goma: Growing Insecurity in Lac-Vert, Between Despair and Resilience
Lushangala Avenue, commonly known as “Kimashini,” is gradually becoming a symbol of the deterioration of security in the Lac-Vert neighborhood of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The insecurity problem that has taken hold there is becoming alarming, fueled by a confluence of complex factors, including the rise in military tensions due to the M23 offensive and the influx of fake Wazalendo, who commit robberies in broad daylight, intertwining the daily lives of residents in a climate of fear and uncertainty.
At the heart of this human tragedy, voices are raised, such as that of Dedesi Mitima, the neighborhood chief, who expresses with poignant precision the feeling of helplessness and vulnerability within his community: “If they steal in broad daylight, what will the night be like?” » This question rings out like a desperate call to action, unparalleled in other parts of the country, where conflicts often take place in the shadows.
To analyze the roots of this growing insecurity, it is worth considering the geopolitical context of eastern Congo, where war and armed conflict have always had a devastating impact on the lives of civilians. The advance of the M23, which is reportedly supported by the Rwandan army, is exacerbating the pressure on populations already weakened by decades of violence. In Goma, a worrying phenomenon is emerging: the trend of neighborhoods being emptied, as residents desperately seek safe havens away from the fighting.
### A Nexus of Humanitarian Crisis
The insecurity in Lac-Vert is both a symptom and a catalyst for a broader humanitarian crisis. Of course, the forced displacement of people affects not only their security, but also their access to essential resources: food, clean water, and medical services. According to the latest humanitarian statistics, nearly 25 million Congolese are in need today, a situation exacerbated by recurring armed conflicts.
Armed conflicts not only affect people on the ground, but also jeopardize humanitarian efforts. Non-governmental organizations struggle to access certain areas, for fear of the safety of their teams. Food aid supplies are reduced, thus aggravating malnutrition problems that primarily affect children and pregnant women. A recent study revealed that one in four children suffers from acute malnutrition in conflict-affected areas.
### The Invisibility of Economic Violence
Another angle often overlooked in analyses of the security situation in Goma is the psychological impact of economic violence.. While physical thefts by “fake Wazalendo” are an immediate reality, the long-term effects of this insecurity on the mental health of residents can be just as devastating. The constant stress associated with fear and uncertainty can lead to lasting psychological disorders, with repercussions that manifest themselves in increased cases of depression, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.
Furthermore, fake Wazalendo represent a phenomenon that goes beyond simple criminal acts: they embody a strategy of terror aimed at weakening social cohesion. The growing distrust between community members, often forced to defend themselves individually, undermines the efforts of solidarity and mutual aid that are crucial in times of crisis.
### Call to Action: What Sustainable Solutions?
Faced with this alarming situation, it is imperative that security authorities take urgent and appropriate measures. Alongside military interventions, it is equally crucial to explore sustainable solutions that foster dialogue, reconciliation, and rebuilding community relations. Investing in awareness-raising programs that enable people to defend themselves effectively without resorting to violence should be a priority.
Governments must work with humanitarian organizations to ensure the security of transit routes and facilitate humanitarian access to remote areas. Establishing local economic development programs can also be essential to rebuild trust and revitalize community structures.
The situation in Lac-Vert is symptomatic of a broader crisis that requires considerable regional and international attention. The future of the people of Goma should not be dictated by walls of fear, but by bridges of solidarity. As the sound of gunshots echoes in the air, the voice of the community, however protesting, must be heard. Indeed, resistance to the invisible becomes the key to a much-needed renaissance in this corner of the world.
**Yvonne Kapinga in Goma**
*Fatshimetrie.org*