### Armed conflicts and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a spiral of violence and impunity
During the night of February 23, 2025, the territory of Djugu was once again the scene of unbearable violence. Attacks by members of the Codeco militia caused the death of seven compatriots, a tragedy that recalls the fragility of peace and the resilience of a besieged population. While the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) strive to reassure the population, a question arises: how to stop the cycle of violence in this region marked by decades of conflicts?
### Evolution of the CODECO militia
The Militia Codeco, recently put on the hot seat, is an armed group from ethnic and community tensions, especially between the Lendu and the Hema, which punctuated the history of the region. According to reports, these groups were formed in response to perceived injustices and rivalries for access to natural resources. The transition to armed action is justified from the point of view of these militiamen as a necessity in an environment where the state seems absent.
According to a study by the International Crisis Group, CODECO recruited around 4,000 members – a worrying figure which raises questioning points on the authorities’ ability to control this insurrection. In 2023, the UN figures indicated nearly 1.5 million internal displaced people due to violence in Ituri, and the Out of Codeco only worsens this tragic situation.
### within an insufficient military response?
Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, FARDC spokesperson, called on the population to support the military authorities in a war which he described as “imposed by the enemies of the Republic”. However, this approach, although legitimate in its intention, seems to ignore the complex reality of the deep causes of the conflict. Does the priority given to military repression have enough impact to treat the roots of extremism and violence?
Community dialogue initiatives have often been lacking in military strategies. A study by the University of Goma has shown that sustainable peace results more from reconciliation and mutual understanding, rather than simple punitive actions. The promises of long -term justice, mentioned by Ngongo, require rigorous follow -up and transparency to establish a climate of trust.
### towards a holistic approach?
It is crucial to question the effectiveness of the current response to this type of armed conflict. Beyond the security aspect, a more encompassing approach could be essential. Many experts agree that economic development and education are central to reducing tensions displayed by armed groups such as CODECO. Investment in educational programs aimed at promoting inter -community peace could constitute a rampart against radicalization.
Civil society actors, including women and young people, play a fundamental role in promoting the values of peace and reconciliation. The creation of humanitarian corridors would also reassure populations in the face of destabilization perpetrated by armed groups. The peace agreements involving all community actors, and not only militias leaders, could provide a real alternative to get out of violence.
#### Conclusion: redefine the vision of peace and security
The tragedy that has occurred in Djugu is not just a simple isolated event, but an alarm signal for the whole Democratic Republic of Congo. In a region already caught up in political, social and economic crises, it is imperative that the Congolese government, in collaboration with NGOs and the international community, strengthens a proactive strategy for peace. Calls to unity and reconciliation must be more than a simple mantra; They must result in concrete actions that take into account the various votes of the population.
Instead of focusing only on armed struggle, it becomes urgent to build a real social project which promotes education, social integration and economic development. Only an integrated and multi-level approach can hope to break the cycle of violence and establish lasting peace in the DRC. Thus, the challenge is clear: to transform weapons into development and dialogue tools to build a better future for all Congolese.