** Conflicts at the heart of the DRC: the strategic ascent of the AFC/M23 between local rivalries and geopolitical issues **
While the security situation in North Kivu and South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to deteriorate, taking strategic positions by the AFC/M23 armed group delivers a complex table combining regional issues, ethnic and dynamic tensions of local power. Recent field developments reveal not only the continuation of fighting, but also a more general reality of despair and instability which affects a population already hardly tested by decades of conflicts.
### A turning point in the ascent of the AFC/m23
The capture of Nyabiondo, a key locality in the territory of Masisi, allowed the AFC/M23 to extend its logistics network by heading towards Walikale. This road knot, located 130 kilometers away, represents much more than a simple transport line. It is a reflection of the growing rivalry between the armed groups and the Congolese armed forces (FARDC). By taking control of these strategic routes, AFC/M23 is only illustrating how a paramilitary group can exploit the flaws of a state in crisis.
Taking such a position by M23 could potentially transform regional balances by facilitating the movements of men and equipment through the national road 3, which links Walikale to Kisangani. This raises the question: how far the AFC/m23 will go in its quest for power and territorial control, and above all, what will be the role of Rwanda, suspected of supporting this movement?
### Tensions exacerbated in South Kivu
In South Kivu, the situation seems no less worrying. If the clashes stabilize around Bukavu, the chiefdom of Kaziba, on the Walungu front, remains the theater of incessant conflicts. The military presence of the FARDC and their Wazalendo allies tries to contain the advance of the M23, but the power of an armed group often benefits from community support, making the dynamics of the resistance more complex.
Recent rallies, such as that of self -proclaimed general Kasereka Kasiyano, who led a Wazalendo group in the territory of Lubero, illustrate how loyalties can vary depending on the expected gain. The crumbling of alliances and the search for personal power add an additional layer to this already complex struggle, suggesting a fragmentation of the resistance forces.
### Sociopolitical and humanitarian dimensions
These fights are not isolated from humanitarian concerns. According to the UN reports, the situation of civilians, already precarious, could worsen with the intensification of violence. It is not uncommon for certain populations to be taken in vice between different factions. The consequences are often disastrous: massive displacement, lack of access to health care, and closed schools. In a country where development is already hampered by a long history of conflicts, this new escalation represents a major setback.
From a sociological point of view, it is necessary to emphasize that conflicts in the DRC reflect deep ethnic and social fractures. In tension areas, communities are often divided along ethnic lines, which still complicates the quest for lasting peace. The need for an inclusive approach is essential to appease these tensions and build a stable future.
### Future perspectives and issues
Faced with such volatility, the situation for the coming months is uncertain. The Congolese authorities, despite their efforts to strengthen security, face a formidable challenge. The international community, although presented by humanitarian efforts, must also rethink its approach with regard to the challenges imposing on the DRC: military support cannot be the only remedy, and it is obvious that the performance of the rule of law must be a priority.
It is now crucial to explore global solutions that include active mediation between the different actors of the conflict, the strengthening of Congolese institutional capacities and support for local economic development. Current instability is a call to reassess the mechanisms that states and international organizations are implementing to combat these recurring conflicts.
In short, the situation in North Kivu and South Kivu is indicative of the complexities inherent in contemporary conflicts in Africa. The combination of local rivalries, geopolitical influences and internal dynamics to the DRC raises crucial questions about the future of this region already marked by so many tragedies. The road to lasting peace passed by integrated solutions, involving all the strata of society, is the only way that could ultimately get the country out of the vicious circle of violence and instability.