### Between M23 and ADF: the trajectory of a humanitarian crisis in North Kivu
The climate of insecurity that prevails in Beni and Butembo in the Far North of North Kivu constitutes an ecosystem of suffering and despair on several levels. While the rebels of the M23 are getting closer to strategic targets in the south, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) intensify their attacks in the North, thus creating a paradoxical situation where a population already experienced by years of conflict is now taken in the vice between two armed threats. In this spiral of violence, it is crucial to analyze not only the immediate consequences on the populations, but also to explore the wider dynamics that feed this crisis.
#### A territory in free fall
The territory of Beni, long marked by chronic instability, is today faced with an increasingly omnipresent scheme of violence. The recurring attacks of the ADFs, targeting the localities like Mavivi and Mbau, generate a wave of displaced people which transforms villages into real ghost areas. Within a region where agriculture is the main means of subsistence, these violence force farmers to abandon their fields. According to recent reports, nearly 1.5 million people are now moved to North Kivu, accentuating an already alarming food crisis. From a statistical point of view, the region is experiencing an acute malnutrition rate among the highest in the country, exceeding 10 % of children suffering from malnutrition.
#### Logistics of resilience
Under this pressure, the ability of humanitarian organizations to operate effectively is put to the test. The sometimes fatal access routes are a monumental logistical challenge. Take the example of the OICHA-LUNA road, not only an economic vital axis, but also a humanitarian corridor. Supposed to facilitate the delivery of aid, this route turns into a real battlefield where the ADF ambushes make humanitarian intervention almost impossible. The lack of security on these paths hinders the efforts of the international community, thus exacerbating the cycle of poverty and insecurity in the affected areas.
It should also be noted that the current war takes place in a context where the natural resources of the region are poorly exploited. The wealth of Kivu minerals, often considered a curse because of its association with armed conflicts, could however contribute to economic resilience if it was managed in a transparent and fair manner.
#### M23 and ADF: Paradoxical Alliance?
At first glance, the M23 and the ADFs seem to be two distinct entities with divergent objectives and ideologies. However, a more in -depth analysis suggests a disturbing interconnection in their actions. Indeed, the struggles for territorial control benefit from an environment where local authorities lack power, creating a void allowed by the ineffectiveness of the national armed forces. This phenomenon has often been observed in other conflicts, such as in Syria or Libya, where several rebel groups prospered in the middle of a state collapse.
### to a sustainable resolution
While the international community fixes its gaze on the 2023 elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is crucial to wonder how these electoral processes can really lead to lasting peace if the roots of conflicts are not treated. The inclusion of local voices, especially those of women and young people, is essential to build peace initiatives anchored in the daily reality of affected communities. Agricultural reintegration and development programs must also be considered to ensure economic prospects for internal displaced people, while strengthening social resilience in a region struck by desolation.
### Conclusion
The duality of the threat represented by the M23 and the ADF exposes the North Kivu to a real puzzle of deadly violence. Beyond the tragic figures, it is a human story, where daily struggles for survival highlight the ability to adapt to local populations. To break this vicious circle of insecurity and despair, a multidimensional approach is necessary, combining security, economic development and social reconciliation. The voice of the Congolese, within their communities, must then be heard-because it is perhaps there, in the silent resistance of the villagers, that the real path is found.