**Citizen mobilization in Beni: a popular surge in response to insecurity and external interference**
On February 3, 2025, the city of Beni, located in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was the scene of an unprecedented mobilization of citizens, an event that transcends simple support for the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the “Wazalendo” patriots. This gathering is not only a demonstration of solidarity, but also demonstrates a collective awareness of persistent insecurity fueled by complex regional conflicts.
### An unprecedented mobilization
Thousands of Beni people chose to gather, marching from the Enra roundabout to the town hall, a symbolic journey illustrating their collective challenge in the face of the uncertainties that weigh on their daily lives. With a massive presence of local authorities, the police and various components of civil society, this march marks an unprecedented expression of citizenship in a country where the fear of insecurity weighs heavily on people’s minds. By raising placards with a strong and committed message, the participants reaffirmed their determination to defend the homeland. It is the intensity of these feelings that marks the real driving force behind this gathering.
In a context where the M23 forces, supported by Rwanda, continue to represent a threat, the commitment of the citizens of Beni to potentially join the military ranks and civil defense groups is significant. This desire for direct action raises fascinating questions about the implications of such an unprecedented popular mobilization.
### Analysis of the underlying motivations
In examining the social dynamics underlying this popular support, it is crucial to place this movement in a historical context. The conflicts in eastern DRC are fueled by a multitude of factors, ranging from the struggle for natural resources to geopolitical interference from neighboring countries, particularly Rwanda. Unconditional support for the army can be seen as an act of defiance in the face of the international community’s failure to curb this problem. In this sense, Maître Paluku Kavotha’s denunciation of the international community’s alleged complicity in the deterioration of security provides a risky but lucid perspective, a gesture that calls for a reassessment of the role of external actors in this protracted crisis.
From a sociological perspective, this commitment can also illustrate a deep desire to revitalize a sense of national identity, in the face of a population that, for too long, has been perceived as a passive victim of armed conflicts.. This willingness to actively participate in the defense forces can be understood as a revival of civic nationalism, which could potentially be harnessed to strengthen social cohesion in a context where ethnic and regional divisions are deeply rooted.
### Towards a collective initiative for peace
It is also important to note the initiative of February 4, a day of prayer. This phenomenon may appear as an act of spiritual resilience, a way of transcending material challenges through the search for inner peace, but its effectiveness will also be put to the test. In the context of the DRC, where spirituality and religious practice occupy a prominent place in the daily lives of citizens, these moments of contemplation can combat despair, while strengthening community solidarity.
Statistically, the mobilization of citizens in Beni could serve as a telling indicator of an emerging trend in other localities in the DRC. Indeed, while studies show that violence and armed clashes are on the rise in some parts of the region, similar initiatives could follow in different provinces, suggesting a form of popular network aware of its strengths and responsibilities.
### Conclusion
The mobilization in Beni is a pivotal moment that should not be underestimated. By rising up to defend their land and demonstrating a strong desire for justice and security, the citizens of Beni offer a bold response to a complex reality. Their determination is both an act of resistance and an invitation to the international community to reassess its role in this crisis.
As the DRC continues to face daunting challenges, particularly in terms of security issues and international relations, moments like this remind us that the power of the people, when unified and directed towards a common goal, lies somewhere between the will for change and the desperate need for peace. For the future, the peaceful efforts that this momentum could inspire could become a shining example of unity in the face of discord.
*By Pascal NDUYIRI, in Beni – Fatshimetrie*