**Goma: Prisoner Releases and Anarchy Settling in an Already Fragile Conflict**
Amid the violence rocking the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a new element has exacerbated an already chaotic situation: the mass release of prisoners, which has occurred in parallel with clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group. This dynamic only serves to aggravate insecurity in the region, revealing a complex picture of opportunism, desperation and a breakdown of public order.
### The Escape in Detail
On Monday, nearly 4,700 prisoners fled Muzenze prison, marking one of the worst escape episodes in the recent history of the DRC. To put this into perspective, this escape represents almost 10% of the 51,000 prisoners held throughout the country, according to figures published by the Ministry of Justice. This massive flow of prisoners at large raises the question of the state’s ability to control an already volatile situation.
### Historical Context
Historically, the Kivu region has been marked by multiple conflicts, involving armed groups, mercenary pay, and a civilian population caught in the crossfire. The recent fighting between the FARDC and the M23 is reminiscent of the ethnic-political struggles that have deeply divided the country. However, the security issue has dramatically worsened with the emergence of these new armed actors, who do not seem to be committed to an identified cause, but rather to take advantage of the surrounding chaos.
### Dynamics of Anarchy
The testimonies collected by Fatshimetrie.org describe scenes of anarchy where armed men, acting under no command, seem to engage in acts of looting and gratuitous violence. The local hospital, Heal Africa, sees its emergency department overwhelmed by wounded people — a symptom of widespread insecurity. The situation calls into question the responsibility of the State, which seems powerless in the face of the rise in violence and the proliferation of abandoned weapons.
Comparatively, other countries in the grip of similar conflicts, such as Syria or Libya, have also experienced an explosion of violence following prison breaks reforming existing conflicts. In these contexts, the phenomenon of the “shadow army” has developed, making the fight for peace even more complex.
### A Difficult Solution to Consider
In the short term, the priority of the authorities must be the restoration of order. This requires a reassessment of security strategies, including efforts to disarm individuals who, out of desperation or opportunism, seize weapons. But, beyond military actions, it is imperative that the government establish an inclusive dialogue by involving all political and social actors, including those who are traditionally excluded..
Peacebuilding efforts will need to include socio-economic initiatives aimed at rebuilding trust between the population and the state. The establishment of reintegration programs for former prisoners, for example, coupled with diligent commitments to improve living conditions, could offer a viable alternative to revolt and despair.
### Looking Ahead
As we have seen in other conflict contexts, prisoner releases and rising violence are not only immediate challenges, but symptoms of a deeper malaise in society. International diplomacy must also play a role, supporting sustainable peaceful solutions. While the international community has often focused on humanitarian crises, it is time to refocus our efforts on political and structural solutions that could establish lasting peace.
The situation in Goma thus illustrates the fragility of peace processes in the face of desperate actions. How the Congolese authorities, and by extension the international community, respond to this ordeal will determine not only the immediate future of Goma, but also the stability of a country whose foundations have already been largely shaken by past conflicts.