** MUBI: Between hope of renewal and persistent shadows of a socio-economic crisis **
In Mubi, a small locality of the Utunda group located 32 kilometers west of Walikale-Center, the resumption of socio-economic activities embodies both a glimmer of hope and a reminder of the consequences of the violence which recently swept through the region. The recent events around the AFC/M23 assault on Walikale-Center revealed not only human atrocities, but also highlighted the structural fantasy of a rout, exacerbated by prolonged conflicts.
### An economic table depicted by devastation
Violence, which manifested itself by looting and anarchy, left the inhabitants of Mubi in a state of despair. Physical and psychological injuries are certainly alienated, but economic scars seem more durable. The testimonies of the owners of shops who saw their reduced affairs in nothingness pierce anxiety. The collapse of commercial activity in Mubi has repercussions far beyond simple material loss: it is the destruction of the future of many households.
By examining the situation, it is interesting to note that even in crisis contexts, emerging resilience dynamics. Some traders have chosen to return, even in the face of immense losses, and this return is anchored in an obstinate desire to rebuild. However, these efforts take time and the uncertain climate already influences food prices. The rise in prices, illustrated by an increase of 33 % of the cost of rice which goes from 1500 to 2000 FC (Congolese franc), testifies to the instability and inflationary pressures that consumers face.
### A comparative approach: war and its economic repercussions
Let us zoom in for a moment on the economic situation of Mubi and compare it with other regions affected by similar conflicts. For example, in Afghanistan, after decades of war, the markets have often been called into question by insecurity, but the resilience of traders and consumers has caused adaptation mechanisms. In the case of MUBI, although the owners have taken measures to reopen, the monetary system in bad shape, with disturbed telecommunications, creates a context where it is almost impossible to maintain a fluid transaction, making the digital assets available on mobile money accounts almost obsolete. The closure of telecommunications shops, during the crucial period of need, further accentuates economic isolation.
### Outlook for the future: between hope and challenges
On the social level, the return of the displaced to Mubi, encouraged by the announcement of a withdrawal from the rebels, shows that the desire to return to normality remains strong. This return psychological phenomenon, often observed in post-conflict contexts, reveals a function of collective hope, but it is crucial to transform this hope into a tangible reality. The cult, recently celebrated at the Church of the 8th Cepac Smirna, symbolizes this need for community and solidarity in difficult times.
However, hope must be accompanied by viable strategies to stabilize the economic situation. The implementation of immediate assistance aimed at relaunching small businesses and a revitalization of telecommunications services could, for example, allow the inhabitants of Mubi to integrate again into the formal economy. The creation of low -interest credit programs to help small traders to resume their activities and the introduction of price controls to avoid abusive increases could help to mitigate the impact of the crisis.
### Conclusion: an uncertain future
The current situation in Mubi represents both a monumental challenge and an opportunity for renewal. The contrast between the immense potential for recovery and the persistent obstacles makes the task all the more delicate. Local initiatives and external support, whether economic or humanitarian, will have to converge to give Mubi a chance to really rebuild themselves and register in a dynamic of lasting peace. This renaissance, although complex, is essential not only for the inhabitants of Mubi, but also for the future of North Kivu and the Democratic Republic of the whole of Congo.