### Mambasa mines: an issue of security and identity for the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Mambasa region, located in the province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has long been the scene of tensions, both social and security, exacerbated by the presence of armed groups such as Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). At the heart of these tensions, the military presence in the mining sites exploited by foreign interests, in particular Chinese, raises crucial questions on security priorities and the protection of the rights of local populations.
#### Protection of resources or that of civilians?
The recent criticism of civil society, carried by actors like Jospin Mbowa, highlights an alarming dysfunctionality of the current security strategy. By placing mass soldiers around mining sites rather than focusing on the security of farmers and civilians, the authorities seem to lose sight of the real security issues. The question that arises is: is it the richness generated by the mining that dictates security, or the life of the Congolese who must take precedence?
Studies on security-development dynamics show that when governments favor the protection of resources to the detriment of citizens, this generates long-term conflicts. Recent research even revealed that an increase in military presence in mining areas was correlated with an increase in social tensions, especially when there was a perception of inequality in safety levels. This phenomenon is not isolated from the DRC; It has also been observed in other countries rich in resources, such as Venezuela and Angola, where the militarization of natural resources has exacerbated internal conflicts.
### The Security Paradox: respond to threats without ignoring vulnerabilities
The territorial administrator of Mambasa justifies the military presence by the need to protect the mining sites from the incursions of the ADFs and other armed groups. This reasoning raises a paradox: by protecting at all costs from economic interests, the risk of abandoning vulnerable populations, which undergo daily attacks, certainly remains high. This phenomenon of negligence has already led to popular uprisings in other regions, resulting in greater illegality and loss of government control.
The cost of such militarization is not only financial, but also social. Every day, farmers, real pillars of the local economy, are left to the assaults of ADFs, while soldiers are assigned to barriers around mining deposits. This imbalance is even more striking when it is considered that armed groups mainly target farmers, who represent a source of subsistence and a crucial element in the fight against poverty.
#### Alternative strategies: to inclusive security
Faced with such a complex situation, it may be time to envisage alternatives to the current militarized approach. A global reform of the mining sector, integrating the traceability of minerals and the recognition of craft operations, could offer a more inclusive and sustainable solution. In parallel, the establishment of community security systems, involving local populations in the defense of their land and their livelihoods, could also contribute to the security of civilians.
The efforts made in other countries faced with similar challenges cause encouraging results. For example, in Malawi and Ghana, community security training programs have enabled local populations to acquire the means necessary to deal with threats while guaranteeing the protection of their resources. This model could indeed be adapted to Mambasa, thus establishing a relationship of trust between the State, the army and the citizens.
### conclusion: a reflection for the future
Mambasa’s question is emblematic of the challenges that the DRC faces. A balance must be found between the exploitation of resources and the protection of human lives. Instead of focusing exclusively on resource control, the authorities must rethink their approach in order to highlight the safety of civilians. This requires a long -term vision that values human dignity, while taking into account economic realities.
Civil society, although worries for the security of the population, conceals a significant potential, that of a collective voice demanding structural changes. For the DRC to emerge from the conflicts that afflict it, it will be vital to listen to these voices and to act in respect of the dignity and the rights of the Congolese. Thus, Mambasa could become a model of peaceful cohabitation and responsible operations, respectful of the needs of its population.