** Violence in Bukavu: a tragedy rooted in a conflict persist **
On February 27, Bukavu, the vibrant capital of South Kivu, was the scene of a tragedy: a deadly attack targeting civilians caused the death of 13 people, seriously injuring more than a hundred others. This drama, which occurred during an alleged rally organized by the rebels of the AFC/m23 on the place of independence, once again raises the shadows of a conflict which continues in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The firm condemnation of Bintou Keita, head of the mission of the United Nations for stabilization in the DRC (Monusco), resonates like a sad echo of an agony that has been going on for too long.
Behind the words that deplore this violence, it is essential to draw a common thread which links this event to a much larger history – as much of a country torn apart by multiple armed conflicts, mixing ethnic rivalries, geopolitical interests, and economic issues. The question that arises is: why does the region continue to be a fertile land for such deadly conflicts?
### A context of instability
The DRC, rich in natural resources like gold, cobalt and coltan, is also a country where poverty remains omnipresent. Despite its wealth, the population faces among the most difficult living conditions in the world. According to the latest report from the World Bank, 70% of Congolese live with less than 1.90 USD per day. In this context, armed groups such as AFC/M23 and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), proliferate, taking advantage of the desperation of whole populations and the absence of a state capable of ensuring the security of its citizens.
### La Monusco: A mission in the impasse?
The Monusco, deployed in 2010 to try to stabilize the DRC, seems to show signs of ineffectiveness in the face of the rise of armed groups. Statistics speak for themselves: in 2022, UN peacekeeping operations recorded more than 700 attacks against civilians, mainly in the east of the country. The promises of support for the implementation of UN resolutions, such as resolution 2773 (2025), have so far not led to significant advances.
Although Monusco calls for investigations to translate the culprits into justice, the helplessness felt by the population in the face of persistent attacks risks playing in favor of extremist movements. These groups are often perceived as defenders of the communities in the face of a national army and a police, deemed corrupt and ineffective.
### Comparative analysis: failures and successes
To better understand the current situation, it may be wise to compare the situation of the DRC to that of other countries that have gone through periods of extreme violence. Take the example of Rwanda, which also experienced a genocide in 1994. Unlike the DRC, Rwanda succeeded, two decades after tragic events, to rebuild its economy and to ensure a certain political stability. The keys to this resilience include strong leadership, reconciliation policies, an investment in education, and the eradication of corruption.
Conversely, the DRC has bogged down in a cycle of violence, where the absence of effective governance and basic public services maintains desperation and conflicts. Lack of access to justice for the victims and the feeling of abandonment by the international community exacerbated the situation.
### A call to action: the quest for lasting peace
It is imperative that the international community and the United Nations will see their approach in the face of a conflict that seems to be extinguishing. Rather than being content with military campaigns, it is crucial to introduce social and economic development programs that will aim to strengthen the capacities of the Congolese state and restore confidence between the government and its population. Stabilization also involves educational initiatives and young people’s empowerment programs, often the main target of recruitment by armed groups.
The key lies in a multisectoral strategy that combines security, development and justice. As Bintou Keita rightly pointed out, only an urgent action will be able to end this climate of terror and offer the possibility of a peaceful future for the populations of the eastern DRC.
### Conclusion
Bukavu’s tragedy is a cry of despair internationally. If nothing is done, this cycle of violence will continue to sow dead and desolation in a country already bruised by decades of instability. It is time to listen, to learn and above all to act-car beyond words, it is the experience of millions of Congolese who is at stake.