** Violence in Beni: towards a systematic understanding of security challenges in North Kivu **
In a tragic episode that occurred on the night of March 4, two soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) were found dead in Mambango, a district of Beni where the main military camp in the region is housed. The circumstances surrounding this tragedy challenge in many ways on the complexity of the security situation in the province of North Kivu, which, for several decades, has been the scene of chronic instability fueled by armed conflicts and unidentified armed groups.
### A disarming historical context
To properly grasp the magnitude of this tragedy, it is essential to dive into the history of conflicts in the region. North Kivu has always been an epicenter of violence, exacerbated by ethnic rivalries, struggles for the control of mining resources, as well as the involvement of rebel groups. This territory, rich in coltan, gold, and other strategic minerals, attracts both national and international lusts, plunging local populations into a spiral of violence and injustice.
The constant influx of armed groups in search of power and wealth has considerably weakened the authority of the State. This made the task of protecting the local population, and particularly of the armed forces, extremely complex. In this context, the assassination of the two soldiers underlines a crisis of confidence between the population and the army, but also a latent vulnerability of the security forces themselves.
##Ring psychological and social aspects
The psychological impact of these events should not be underestimated. The testimonies of the population report deep trauma induced by violence. The shots heard, the bodies found with traces of violence, the feeling of loss, and uncertainty about the future generate a climate of anxiety and distrust of institutions, already weakened.
The reaction of the local community, which expresses its dismay at the inability of the military authorities to protect them, could be a strong indicative of a progressive disengagement vis-à-vis the armed forces. This phenomenon is already documented in other regions of the world where the population ends up associating its defenders with the threat, thus risking creating fertile land for revolt or collaboration with armed groups.
## economic and political dimensions
The ramifications of this violence go beyond the strictly military framework. Security is intrinsically linked to the economy: it directly impacts the investment, trade, and the daily life of citizens. A climate of chronic insecurity demonstrates cascade effects on the local economy. In the absence of a sustainable resolution of the conflict, poverty and unemployment, already acute in these regions, can only increase, opening a boulevard for future generations of young people in search of livelihoods in violence.
### to sustainable solutions
Faced with this tragic news, reflections on pragmatic strategies to get out of this spiral of violence are more necessary than ever. The solution perhaps lies in an integrated approach which would associate the disarmament of armed groups, the decentralization of power, and a real dialogue including all stakeholders, including local actors.
It would also be relevant to intensify efforts to reconstruct the confidence between the population and the armed forces, in particular through community development initiatives that could generate jobs and strengthen economic resilience. The implementation of programs to prevention of violence and socio-economic reintegration for veterans could also act as a dissuasive measure against the use of violence.
### Conclusion
The tragic episode of Mambango is only a lighting on a much larger problem that requires a multidimensional approach. The process of restoring peace in North Kivu is, and will continue to be, strewn with pitfalls. However, by redefining our understanding of security, not only as an absence of violence but as a framework conducive to life, the Congo could hope to establish the basics of a lasting and inclusive peace. While the memory of these two lost soldiers must be honored, the time is for pro-active reflection and concerted action to transform this tragedy into a catalyst of positive change.