### State of play in South Kivu: A war with multiple stakes
As the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is mired in a protracted armed conflict, the situation in Kalehe territory in South Kivu is attracting all attention. Recent fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebel movement highlights not only military tensions, but also a struggle for natural resources at the heart of the economy and national security.
**Geopolitical and historical context**
The M23, considered a remnant of previous armed conflicts, is not only a local armed group, but an actor shaped by transnational influences. Indeed, the South Kivu region, rich in precious minerals such as coltan, copper and gold, is often the scene of rivalries between actors sent by neighboring powers, reinforcing the idea that the war is not limited to a simple confrontation between local forces, but is part of a complex geopolitical picture. Recent events, such as the recapture of the villages of Kiniezire and Mukwidja by the FARDC, are only one facet of a war whose causes are deeply rooted in the mismanagement of resources and the absence of a genuine inter-ethnic dialogue.
**The impact on the civilian population**
The statements of Archimède Karhebwa, deputy administrator of the Kalehe territory, highlight a central concern: the security of the population. Faced with an erosion of human rights, the risk of instability is not limited to street fighting. Violations of fundamental rights, including sexual abuse and daily violence, are spreading in the climate of chaos. The call for the population to dissociate themselves from the enemy’s discourse is evidence of a communication strategy aimed at strengthening civic resilience in the face of manipulation.
The statistics on internal displacement are alarming. According to reports from humanitarian organizations, millions of people displaced by the conflict are living in precarious conditions. Considering that 5.5 million Congolese have been displaced due to the violence, the message delivered by Karhebwa also plays on the sensitive chord of a population that is tired but eager to escape this spiral of violence.
**Recent fighting and military issues**
The death of Colonel Alexis Rusabissha indicates that the military situation is far from being stabilized. Each loss is a hard blow for the FARDC, which is already on a knife edge. The information indicating a reinforcement of rebel troops in men and equipment is worrying, and suggests that the M23 is seeking to exploit a potential disengagement of the FARDC following operational losses. The ceasefire announced by the rebels, despite its good intentions, seems above all to be a strategic maneuver aimed at regrouping forces and repositioning for future offensives.
**Alternative analysis: a societal approach**
Solutions that do not only involve a military response should be explored. The excessive militarization of conflict resolution in the DRC has shown its limits; the response to this phenomenon must also include a societal dimension. An inclusive approach, involving local communities in discussions on resource governance and inter-ethnic reconciliation could create a vital space for sustainable peace.
Engaging local actors, including women and youth, in building a strong civil society may prove to be a promising area of intervention. It is crucial for the DRC to invest in peace, education and economic development programs that meet the updated needs of resilient communities.
**Conclusion: Towards a sustainable resolution?**
While the conflict in Kalehe exposes deep fractures, it also highlights the importance of rethinking security strategies by integrating socio-political dimensions. The transition from a warrior mentality to an approach that promotes community engagement could be the key to breaking this cycle of violence. In short, the future of South Kivu does not depend solely on the military might of the FARDC or the M23 rebels, but rather on the ability of the Congolese community to come together and forge the foundations for a peaceful renaissance.