** Title: A new vision for the Far North: the issue of sovereignty and sustainable development **
On Friday, April 4, the visit of the Minister of the Interior, Jacquemain Shabani, in the north of North Kivu aroused various interests, both political and socioeconomic. Indeed, this meeting in Butembo has not only highlighted the urgency of cropping security in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but it also opened the door to a deeper reflection on the need for sustainable and inclusive development.
### Sustainable insecurity: consequences and responsibilities
During his exchanges, Mr. Shabani approached a crucial point: the infiltration of enemy forces in the country’s political and military spheres. This situation is not only symptomatic of poor administrative management, but it also raises questions about the governance structures in place for decades. The inability to effectively manage veterans and to ensure their integration refers to unresolved systemic problems. In this sense, the Minister’s words resonate as a call for a deep overhaul of Congolese institutions.
Added to this is the statistician dimension of this crisis. According to recent studies, the DRC has experienced a 30 % increase in armed group attacks in the Kivu region in the past two years. This figure, which is cold in the back, points not only to the lack of security control, but also the urgency of a coordinated and effective response.
### A plea approach: the case of the M23 and the Rwandan intervention
Calls for a reinforced military effort against the M23, a rebellious group supported by Rwanda, underline the tangle of political and security realities in the great African lakes. The history of conflicts in this region, marked by repeated military offensives and rebellions, requires an approach that goes beyond the simple armed struggle. In the era of global interconnections, regional diplomacy is more important than ever. The Minister spoke of the need to win back the occupied territories; However, how does this reconquest be articulated with a sustainable peace strategy?
The intensification of ethnic and political violence in the DRC is often parallel to the economic interests of neighboring countries, including Rwanda. Consequently, an inclusive dialogue could open the way to lasting solutions. Africa in general has shown, in the past, that peace agreements can offer mutual benefits if all stakeholders, including the peoples concerned, are involved from the start.
### Socioeconomic development: towards a new paradigm
Beyond security issues, the Minister has stressed the importance of socioeconomic development projects to establish lasting peace. The sexospecific approach of the economy, combined with investments in education, health and agriculture, could contribute to community resilience to security vagaries. The experiences of countries that have managed to get out of cycles of violence, such as Ghana or Rwanda, show that an increased investment in education and infrastructure can transform companies into crises into prosperous societies.
For example, a World Bank study has shown that an investment of 100 USD per capita in infrastructure in rural areas can generate up to 300 USD added in the following five years. The integration of young people into these programs in Butembo can also have a multiplier effect, thus reducing the risk of engagement of young people in armed groups.
### A renewed hope: the mobilization of local actors
Finally, the mobilization of population representatives during this meeting is a sign of hope. Handling both political blackmail and community resilience, populations are ready to play an active role in determining their future. Minister Shabani has certainly recognized the excesses of his political class, but it is also the responsibility of civil society and local actors to take action.
Local, sporting and cultural initiatives can play a catalyst role in strengthening unity and cohesion. For example, the creation of community forums based on peace values could help close the ditches created by conflicts. These spaces can become places of debate and initiatives, thus contributing to the rehabilitation of the social fabric.
### Conclusion
The visit of the Minister of the Interior in the Far North, far from being a simple diplomatic event, must be perceived as a real turning point for the Congo. The issues discussed must be considered not in isolation, but from a perspective of integration and sustainability. Only a multidimensional strategy, combining security, economic development and community mobilization, will be able to allow the DRC to redefine its future and get out of the shadow of incessant conflicts. From now on, the challenge is not only to end the war, but to build, together, the basics of a lasting peace for the country and its citizens.