** Humanitarian emergency in North Kivu: a call to unity in the face of the devastation of the Mwenye group **
On February 9, a poignant meeting was held at the Lingombe Institute in the commune of Vulamba, orchestrated by displaced people from war from the Mwenye group, in the tumultuous territory of Lubero, in North Kivu. In a context where instability and violence persist, these displaced people have launched a resounding appeal to unity and solidarity to deal with a humanitarian crisis of a devastating scale.
Far from being a simple emotional declaration, this call raises deep questions about social and political dynamics within this region rich in resources, but marked by a troubled history. Indeed, North Kivu is often considered to be the theater of a complex geopolitical game in which national and foreign interests intersect, adding a layer of ambiguity to the suffering of the inhabitants. These displaced people, who fled their houses after massacres and looting attributed to various armed groups, embody the tragedy of a conflict which, despite its seniority, continues to make innocent victims.
Beyond tragic human losses and material destruction, the current situation is launching an ethical question: what is the responsibility of the international community in the protection of human rights in areas of conflict like this? While governments and NGOs redouble their efforts to bring help, the reaction of nations in the face of this crisis sometimes seems more ritual than really efficient. The reports of international organizations report an alarming situation: more than 5 million people are moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with access to sometimes limited and sporadic humanitarian needs.
The displaced by Mwenye, while calling for the solidarity of the local population, also trained a committee to monitor their situation. This testifies to a movement towards community organization, which is often a powerful catalyst for change. Historically, initiatives of this type allowed communities to rebuild their social fabric, despite the atrocities experienced – an observation illustrated by examples such as the reintegration of the displaced by the Kasai region, where local mutual aid has played a crucial role.
The touching dimension of this situation is accentuated by the fact that the education of young people is also at stake. Schools invaded by armed groups compromise the future of children in this already weakened region. Indeed, the right to education is a fundamental element which is too often at risk in contexts of conflict. The loss of school years can lead to a cycle of poverty and despair, thus hampering the potential of an entire generation.
Finally, it is interesting to consider the explicit request of the displaced for the withdrawal of the troops of the Wazalendo group from the UPLC from their area. This requirement raises questions about the effectiveness of national security forces and their ability to protect civilians. Studies show that the militarization of affected areas can sometimes exacerbate violence, rather than reducing it. In 2020, a report by the International Crisis Group revealed that, in certain situations, the increased presence of armed forces has not improved the security of local populations, but actually led to militarization of daily life .
To conclude, this cry of the heart of the displaced by Mwenye remains an invitation to reflection not only on the humanitarian situation but also on the wider implications for peace and security in the region. By encouraging solidarity and mutual support within the community, these displaced people remind each of us that, despite the tragedy, it is possible to build a space for hope and reconstruction. The extent of pain is immense, but the ability to resilient these communities could also allow you to re -imagine a better future, for them and for future generations, provided that national and international actors act with responsibility and commitment.