### The meeting of Monusco and the community of Sayo: towards sustainable stability?
On April 11, a delegation from Monusco met the population of the Sayo district, in the commune of Mulekera, in North Kivu. This meeting is held in a context marked by persistent violence, in particular the disastrous massacre of sixty civilians by the rebels of the ADFs, which occurred a year ago. While the faces of the victims remain engraved in the memories, this interaction between UN representatives and the local community raises crucial questions about security and the restoration of confidence.
The discussion highlighted a consensus on the need for close collaboration between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), the Congolese National Police (PNC) and Monusco. This cooperative framework aims to establish security missions in the field, marked by a sharing of operational space and mixed patrols. Such a collective approach is rented because it could potentially strengthen the effectiveness of security operations and provide a more tangible feeling of protection to local populations.
Amani Kambale, representative of civil society, spoke of the atrocities suffered by the inhabitants and underlined the importance of the support of Monusco to facilitate the secure return of survivors to their homes and fields. Indeed, this return is not only a question of security, but also of socio-economic survival for these upset communities. The resumption of agricultural activities, essential to their subsistence, seems intimately linked to their ability to live without fear.
However, this situation cannot be dissociated from the growing demand for human rights training and civil protection, as well as access to professional opportunities for local youth. The aspiration to see young people who are in favor of professional training opens up a reflection on the means of integrating them constructively into society. Indeed, the link between education, employment and peace is well documented. What policies could be implemented to promote such initiatives, allowing young people to feel less vulnerable to recruitments by armed groups?
It is relevant to wonder if, beyond the security presence, a holistic approach could be envisaged. The prevention of the conflict often involves improving the living conditions of the populations. The challenge lies in the capacity of partners, including Monusco, also to meet these social expectations. What mechanisms could be introduced to ensure that the votes of civil society, like that of M. Kambale are fully integrated into the decision -making process at local and international levels?
Finally, the interaction between local actors and security institutions deserves to be ballot. The challenge will reside in the implementation of this desire for cooperation, while taking care not to rush a population already weakened by years of conflict. What strategies can be deployed to establish mutual trust, without which efforts will be in vain?
The meeting of Sayo is more than a simple dialogue; It represents an opportunity to reflect on the ways in which the actors concerned can work together to strengthen the security and resilience of communities in North Kivu. The way to sustainable stabilization requires careful listening to local needs, adaptation of security strategies and long-term commitment to socio-economic development. This poses a challenge, but also a moral and pragmatic imperative for all parties involved.