** Confrontations in Tanganyika: a recurring violence which questions the nature of local peace **
On March 7, the village of Kamena, located in the Nganié chief of Moba territory in Tanganyika, was once again the scene of clashes between the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Bakata Katanga militiamen, in alliance with Twas forces. This type of situation, although tragic, raises broader questions about the resilience of local populations in the face of Endemic violence, regional security as well as the effectiveness of the police.
### An almost standardized state of violence
The incident of March 7, which led to the death of three militiamen and injured a soldier, is part of a context of recurring violence which continues to strike the Tanganyika. The viral images showing the arrows abandoned by the attackers illustrate a reality marked by cycles of conflicts and violence in which the populations are often trapped. The nature of these attacks – orchestrated in the morning, while the villagers go to the fields – testifies to a clear strategy of the militiamen aimed at maximizing the surprise and minimizing the losses of their own troops.
To contextualize these events, it should be recalled that R.D. Congo ranks among countries with the highest rates of violence in Africa. According to the Global Peace Index, the country faces an unstable environment, fueled by the rivalry between various armed groups that seek to control resources or simply impose their influence. In this perspective, the incursions of the Bakata Katanga and Twas can be perceived not only as acts of banditry, but also as a manifestation of power struggles in a region where control of the earth and resources remains subject to historical tensions.
### Impact on civilian populations
The administrator of the territory of Moba reported a massive displacement of the population following these incidents. This highlights the humanitarian consequences on local communities, which are already suffering from the lack of access to basic services such as health and education, exacerbated by travel due to violence. Indeed, the UNHCR reported that thousands of people are forced to exile each year in the areas affected by conflicts, thus complicating the already fragile situation of the populations.
The testimonies collected in the field evoke a very strong palpable anxiety among the villagers. “People live in fear. Each foray is a threat to our way of life,” says a resident of Kamena, evoking this feeling of despair and helplessness in the face of ambient instability.
### A safe response to rethink
Kamena’s clashes also raise questions about the security forces response. The effectiveness of the FARDC over the years has been questioned, stressing the need for strategic reform. Although the militarization of the region is often considered a temporary solution, reality remains that long -term strategies are necessary to restore a sustainable security climate. Peace initiatives involving local actors, non -governmental organizations and international institutions should be preferred to limit violence and reassure civilian populations.
### A search for sustainable solutions
Faced with these challenges, some experts argue for the implementation of a global approach, taking into account not only military aspects but also socio-economic support for populations. By promoting rural development and supporting community initiatives, it would be possible to mitigate the deep causes of these exacerbated conflicts. In addition, the use of dialogue platforms, where the different communities could discuss their concerns, could promote mutual understanding and reconciliation.
### Conclusion
The conflict in Kamena, although tragic, should not be perceived only as an isolated event but as an indicator of a broader and complex situation in Tanganyika and in the entire R.D. Congo. The resulting lessons must serve as an impulse for a collective action, redirecting the paradigm of security to a development, peace and social justice approach. Because, beyond the balls and arrows, it is the voices of civilians who must be heard in order to restore a semblance of normality in a region plagued by conflicts.