### The complexity of the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a fragile balance between stories and realities
The visit of the lieutenant-general Jules Banza Mwilambwe in Kisangani marks a symbolic turning point which, beyond its military aspect, highlights the deep cogs of insecurity and tensions in the east region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). While the M23 announces a repositioning to Walikale, reality on the ground seems to invalidate these declarations, with witnesses evoking acts of persistent violence and looting.
### A volatile historical and socio -political context
To better understand this situation, it is necessary to carry out a historical analysis of armed conflicts in the region. The M23, born in 2012, is a continuation of a series of rebellions fed by mining conflicts, ethnic tensions and the impunity of human rights violations. The announcement of a repositioning, which could seem to be a desire for de -escalation, is actually echoing a classic strategy of manipulation of perception.
The climbing of conflicts and geopolitical uncertainties mean that the announcements of the rebel groups must be taken with a grain of skepticism. In recent decades, conflicts in eastern DRC have often seen movements claiming peaceful intentions while continuing to operate violent acts. The case of M23 is not an isolated phenomenon; It is emblematic of a broader regional dynamic where confidence between the population, the army and the political actors is eroded by decades of instability.
### Signs of impunity
The Declaration of Fiston Misona, president of the Coordination of Civil Society forces of Walikale, pointing to a deadly attack at the heart of what the M23 claimed to be a peaceful reorganization, said a lot. This discourse highlights a central problem: the difficulty in maintaining a security climate in the face of a rebellious dynamic which plays on both the register of engagement and violence.
A report by Amnesty International stresses that, in similar conflict situations around the world, the ability of armed groups to carry out violent actions while presenting themselves as peace agents considerably increases the feeling of impunity, making dialogue almost impossible. This raises a disturbing question: how can the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) respond effectively to this challenge?
### to a multidimensional strategy
General Mwilambwe’s mission must imperatively be perceived as an element of a multidimensional strategy. In short, a purely military response, although necessary, cannot be enough for a sustainable resolution. The armed forces must be accompanied by a holistic approach integrating local development, education and a real agreement with local communities. This would also join the recommendations of the United Nations Security Council which pleads for economic development and reconciliation to be the basis of any security approach in Africa.
In this sense, civil society plays a crucial role. Alerts like those launched by Fiston Misona are essential voices in a narration little covered by traditional media, which often focus on operational aspects to the detriment of social and political dynamics that feed the cycle of violence. It is essential to promote spaces for dialogue between communities, strengthening their resilience in the face of threats from armed groups.
### Conclusion: the uncertain future of the DRC
The current situation in the DRC, far from being a simple military security problem, is a crisis of deep governance which requires the commitment of all actors: national, regional and international. The inspection mission of General Banza Mwilambwe in Kisangani is a first step, but it must be accompanied by collective support and vigilance to break the cycle of violence and promote the emergence of lasting peace.
The analogy with other regions in conflict, such as South Sudan or Syria, clearly shows that the militarization of solutions often causes more violence than peace. The DRC is not immune to such a fate, and it is imperative that the international community and local actors take daring measures to denounce abuses while promoting routes to reconciliation and justice.