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### Bunia: Between silent protests and calls for peace
**Analysis and Perspectives on the socio-political crisis in Ituri**
On January 28, 2025, Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, was the scene of unrest that, although limited, raises many questions about the socio-political stability of the region and, by extension, the entire country. Far from having the scale of the sometimes violent demonstrations observed in other places, notably Kinshasa, this day was marked by an apparent paralysis of activities, due to calls to demonstrate on social networks against the Rwandan aggression. However, the reality on the ground reveals a more complex dynamic than a simple opposition between a call for mobilization and the community’s reaction suggests.
#### A context of geopolitical uncertainty
Ituri, like other provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, lives under the specter of foreign interference that exacerbates internal tensions. Recent escalations between Rwanda and the DRC, particularly in the east of the country, are fueling a climate of mistrust that is reflected in sporadic violence and citizen demonstrations. This situation is all the more worrying given that the region is historically marked by conflicts related to ethnicity, land and issues of control of natural resources.
The Congolese government, while denouncing Rwandan interventions, is struggling to establish a climate of trust with the population. Faced with this vacuum of authority, anonymous actors have used social networks to try to channel popular discontent into calls for mobilization. However, the population’s weak response to these calls to demonstrate, as shown by the return to normal life from midday, can be interpreted as a contradictory sign: the need to express disagreement with a difficult situation on the one hand, but a distrust of mobilization strategies on the other.
#### The position of civil society: a beacon in the darkness
The reaction of the Ituri civil society coordination deserves special attention. By calling on the population to continue their occupations and denouncing attempts at disinformation on social networks, this body works to moderate tensions and foster an atmosphere of peace. The priority given to the continuity of daily activities, far from the desire for confrontation, reflects a paradigm shift in the struggle for the recognition of rights and the expression of frustrations within the population.
This pragmatic approach could be part of a new trend where local actors aspire to turn away from the historical model of violent protest. By promoting peace and constructive engagement, they could thus propose viable alternatives for resolving conflicts that involve dialogue rather than violence. Moreover, this underlines the growing importance of civil society organizations in the management of political crises, often perceived as essential intermediaries between the government and the population.
#### Assessment of the social and economic implications
The paralysis of activities in Bunia has temporarily highlighted the economic vulnerability of the region. Shops, markets, banks and schools have chosen to close, an act that may seem paradoxical considering that it would have been easy to give greater visibility to the cause defended by the protesters. The decision to close their doors indicates a tacit approval of the calls not to demonstrate or testifies to a dull fear of potential reprisals. The question then arises: what would be the long-term economic consequences of such self-censorship?
A direct impact on the local economy is inevitable, fueled by a sense of insecurity and instability. If the attendance at markets and other commercial establishments remains low, Bunia’s prosperity could be compromised. Furthermore, this generates a negative perception of foreign investment, especially in a context where international support is crucial for the reconstruction and eradication of poverty in eastern DRC.
#### In conclusion, a call for vigilance and unity
In short, the situation in Bunia and Ituri reveals a paradox: despite a clear desire for mobilization, the population’s response reflects a need for unity in the face of adversity and an aspiration for peace. The challenge now lies in the ability of local actors to transform this dynamic into a genuine process of dialogue and reconciliation. Social networks, often instrumentalized, could prove to be platforms for communicating about peace, strengthening community ties and facilitating positive engagement.
Through this crisis, the DRC and particularly Ituri must question the paths to take for true unity, working together, despite the differences, in search of a future where each voice can be heard without fear of the consequences. This path, strewn with obstacles, will require increased vigilance and a collective will to evolve in a peaceful and inclusive framework.
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This article, by delving into the ramifications of the event in Bunia, aims to enlighten readers on the complexity of the issues and the need for constructive dialogue, going beyond the mere reality of the demonstrations.