** Land conflict in Kabambare: a call for cohesion in the face of violence **
The territory of Kabambare, in the province of Maniema, is a region rich in natural resources but also in tensions. The recent land conflict between the Villages Lumamba and Kavundaganya again highlighted the social fractures and the governance challenges that undermine this part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of March 13, reports report seven seriously injured and cases of sexual violence, a new chapter in the sad book of violence that mark the history of earth struggles in the DRC.
### An alarming assessment
The consequences of this conflict go far beyond the physical injuries inflicted. Sexual violence, mentioned by the provincial interior minister, Lawamo Selemani, are not only attacks on individuals; They testify to a societal trauma which affects community dynamics. These acts of barbarism against women should not only cause indignation; They impose a reflection on impunity that often surrounds sexual crimes during conflict. According to an Amnesty International report, almost 50 % of Congolese women are victims of a form of sexual violence during their lifetime. This figure is all the more alarming in areas where the rule of law is fragile, and where justice is rarely rendered to the victims.
### The reaction of the authorities and the promise of justice
The Minister’s reaction, who promises that the culprits will be translated to Kindu’s judicial bodies, should be welcomed with measured caution. The recent history of the country is punctuated by similar promises which, too often, have remained dead letters. On the one hand, we have the official discourse which proclaims the determination to do justice, on the other, reality on the ground which testifies to administrative inertia in the face of repeated violence. The crucial question that arises is: how to guarantee that this time, the promises are reflected in concrete actions?
### The Call for Cohesion: a return to the roots
Kabambare’s national deputy, Emedi Amuri, folded for a “customary solution”, questions the relevance of external solutions in the face of a problem rooted in local mores. This approach, which advocates dialogue and consensus within communities, could offer an alternative route to resolve land disputes. However, it is crucial to question the ability of customary structures to respond to modern issues of property and conflict. Combining customary mechanisms with state justice systems could prove to be a relevant solution to guarantee a holistic approach, integrating both the history and aspirations of local populations.
### A larger painting: Land issues in the DRC
This conflict in Kabambare should not be analyzed in isolation. It is part of a context widely marked by earth struggles, exacerbated by the exploitation of natural resources. According to studies, more than 70 % of conflicts in the DRC are linked to land issues. The question of property is not limited to a physical presence on a field, but involves cultural, identity and economic issues. With the rise of issues related to land speculation and land monopolization, local communities are often marginalized and dispossessed.
The recent events in Kabambare, while being tragic, also offer an opportunity to rethink the role of local and national governance in the management of land conflicts. Rather than reacting to crises as they occur, the authorities must invest in preventive mechanisms, ranging from community awareness to local mediation.
### Conclusion
The tragic incident that has occurred in Kabambare must serve as a catalyst for a deeper reform of resource management and conflict resolution practices in the DRC. The injuries inflicted are not only physical, they are anchored in an already fractured social fabric. The commitment of leaders, recognized through their promises, must turn into discernible actions, under penalty of seeing the spiral of violence continue. The road to a peaceful coexistence undeniably involves recognition of land rights, community dialogue and justice for all. The path is long, but it begins with the desire to build bridges, not walls, within communities.