### New escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: A shadow war in the heart of Goma and Nyiragongo
January 30 marks another tragic day in the already complex conflict raging in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Fighting has resumed with alarming intensity between the M23 rebel movement and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by Wazalendo militias. This new cycle of violence is taking place in the village of Turunga, located on the edge of Nyiragongo territory, near the city of Goma. This conflict is not limited to territorial rivalries; it also exposes deep socio-political issues that the international community is struggling to grasp.
#### A charged geopolitical context
The eastern Congolese region has long been a hotbed of instability. While the country’s natural resources are among the richest in the world, the lack of stable institutions and sustainable investment has led to ongoing armed conflicts, often sparked by ethnic and economic aspirations. The clashes between the M23, an armed group born out of Congolese Tutsi frustration with discrimination and violence, and the FARDC, already weakened by internal divisions and corruption, are just a reflection of the historical tensions rooted in this region.
There is a regional dimension to consider: the scene often becomes international, with neighboring countries playing a key role, whether through direct support for armed groups or diplomatic interventions. Countries like Rwanda, often accused of supporting the M23, add a layer of complexity to local conflicts, while international actors point the finger at cross-border security issues. Strategic, economic, and even mining interests then complicate an already bleak picture.
#### Impacts on civilian lives
Despite the intensification of fighting around Turunga, some residents of Goma appear to be actively pessimistic. Economic activities in areas less affected by conflict continue, even if a part of the population remains paralyzed by the fear of escalating violence. This raises a crucial question: what does living in permanent insecurity mean for a society? According to UN data, nearly 5 million people are already displaced in the region, which means that military strikes have a directly proportional impact on already fragile daily lives.
Although the daily lives of Goma residents have become resilient in the face of various offensives, it is difficult to ignore the collective trauma that is taking root in this population. The mental health of the Congolese, plunged into an incessant cycle of violence and famine, is often relegated to the background of humanitarian priorities. Yet studies show that mental health support may be just as vital as food or medical assistance in a context of sustained conflict.
#### Sociological analysis of current challenges
The recent clashes in Turunga highlight an element often overlooked in analyses of the conflict: the perceived legitimacy of armed factions in relation to the state. Although the M23 is considered a rebel group, it enjoys some local support. This phenomenon leads us to reflect on the importance of an integrated response that takes into account the aspirations of local populations. Distrust of the Congolese state, perceived as incapable of guaranteeing security and development, calls into question the viability of public institutions.
Armed groups, such as the M23, capitalize on this vacuum offered by a failed state. This leads to a war of representations where each faction claims to defend the rights of a specific ethnic group or community. The absence of constructive and inclusive dialogues between the government, rebel groups, and local communities could perpetuate this cycle of violence indefinitely.
#### Towards a sustainable resolution?
The need for a multidimensional approach to addressing conflicts in the DRC is more pressing than ever. The international community, often on the sidelines, must consider institutional and diplomatic solutions. A framework to foster dialogue between all stakeholders—including marginalized voices of civil society—could be essential.
An intervention could foster the creation of spaces for discussion where local concerns are represented. This could involve participatory governance modules at the local level, thereby strengthening the legitimacy of the state. Lessons from other conflict regions, where inclusive peace processes have successfully struck a balance, should be carefully considered.
In sum, the violence in Goma and Nyiragongo does not only represent military conflicts on the ground, but indicates a systemic problem that goes well beyond armed clashes. A new perspective that integrates the sociological and psychological dimensions of war, while calling for sustained international action, could be the key to lasting peace. The current reality requires a redoubled effort in diplomacy to escape the current destructive dynamics.