** Title: Towards an escalation of the conflict: the disturbing foray of the rebels of the AFC/m23 in the territory of Mwenga **
The political and military chessboard of South Kivu, already fragmented by years of internal conflicts and struggles for the control of resources, is experiencing a new turning point with the incursion of once even more marked of the rebels of the AFC/m23. The recent entry of the latter into the territory of Mwenga, marked by intense fights against the Wazalendo militiamen, asks serious questions not only on the immediate security of the local populations, but also on the fragile balance of this strategic region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
** An already rooted conflict dynamic **
Far from being an isolated event, the occupation of Mwenga is part of a broader trend of military drifts and changing alliances within the region. For several months, clashes between various armed factions have intensified, notably in Walungu, Kaniola, and Burhale. These fights, which often try to hide struggles for the control of arable lands or gold mines, illustrate a complex reality: the AFC/m23 ambition to reimplant itself in a region which it traditionally claims as its bastion.
For comparison, the study of conflicts within the framework of ethnicity and political rivalries is essential. By scanning the recent offensives of the national army, it is difficult not to make the link with similar conflicts in the region of the great African lakes, where the exacerbation of identity affiliations is often the spark that ignites already existing tensions.
** The impact on local populations: between leak and resilience **
It is important to highlight the human consequences of this escalation. The distance from Wazalendo militiamen, reported by local witnesses to Fatshimetrie.org, speaks volumes about the desperate dynamics of security in this region. Civilians, still taken between the rebels’ hits and the few options offered by the army, are forced to flee, which only worsens the humanitarian crisis already endemic in the DRC.
According to recent UNHCR statistics, the number of people displaced by conflicts in the DRC has been quadripled since the beginning of 2023, reaching millions. Among them, Mwenga families find themselves once again exposed to violence and precariousness, bringing with them invaluable stories of struggle and resilience. The international community must seize these testimonies as a letter of appeal urgent to action, testimonies or even reports which cannot fade behind the relationships of a conflict often perceived as distant.
** A political response up to the challenge? **
The failure of state structures to be positioned effectively in the face of this foray raises questions about the government’s ability to answer fundamental security challenges. The recent AFC/M23 offensive, motivated by its desire to establish a balance of power in the field, updates a structural problem: security cannot be ensured without the support of local populations.
However, it would be simplistic to restrict this conflict to a simple opposition between armed forces. AFC/M23 cleverly capitalized on growing dissatisfaction, linked to corruption and poor governance. Questions must be asked: why is the mobilization of communities in the face of security challenges so complicated? What alternatives to violence can be put forward, in particular by community alliances focused on dialogue and socio-economic support?
** Conclusion: the need for a holistic approach **
In conclusion, the AFC/M23 foray into Mwenga offers a crucial opportunity to reassess the security approach in the South Kivu region, not only on the military, but also social and economic level. Conflicts do not result from a void, but from a slow construction of unresolved tensions, community stories, and shared suffering. The adoption of a holistic and inclusive approach, focused on dialogue, reconciliation and economic development, could prove to be essential to put an end to this violent spiral and regain lasting peace in the DRC. In this climate of uncertainty, commitment and listening to communities must be at the heart of any initiative aimed at restoring trust and security in this bruised region.