### A tragedy in Tsenga: a reflection on armed conflicts in Ituri
On May 14, the village of Tsenga, located in the Jiba health area, a territory of Djugu, was the scene of a tragic attack that cost three people, including two children, and injured several others. This event, awarded to Zaire militiamen, once again illustrates the recurring violence that shakes the Ituri region in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The declarations of the chief of sector of Walendu Pitsi, Dieudonné Kpari Chuma, underline the feeling of insecurity which reigns in this part of the country, where homes have been burned, further increasing the distress of local populations.
### A complex conflict
This tragedy is part of a context of prolonged conflicts between various armed groups, notably the Zaire militiamen who distinguished themselves by their violent attacks against the populations and the security forces, and the members of the Codeco group, another actor of the conflict. According to concordant sources, it seems that an exchange of fire has taken place, which complicates the understanding of this already unstable situation. This type of violence raises crucial questions about the nature of the rivalries that exist in this region, which are often linked to struggles for controlling resources, land and ethnic allegiances.
### A human resonance
Beyond statistics and reports, the consequences of such acts of violence are deeply human. The loss of innocent lives, in particular that of children, raises a cry of pain which resonates not only in the locality of Tsenga, but also in the entire DRC. This type of tragedies leads to questioning our capacity as an international community to help these vulnerable populations who are under the weight of war. What initiatives could be set up to promote peace and reconciliation in a region also marked by conflicts?
### to sustainable solutions
The extent of the challenges posed by armed groups in Ituri cannot be underestimated, and it is essential to take a critical look at the available options. Approaches to disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) have been discussed, but their implementation remains problematic. How to perpetuate these initiatives in the face of the distrust of communities and the resistance of armed groups?
The collaboration between the various stakeholders, whether national or international, is essential to build suitable solutions. This also requires attention paid to human rights and local capacity building, in order to allow communities to recover their voice and their power in the face of the arbitrariness of violence.
### The voice of survivors
The stories of the victims and survivors of Tsenga should be at the center of discussions on security and development policies. It is crucial to avoid reducing them to figures, but rather to give them a voice. What are their expectations for the future? How do they envisage reconciliation in an environment where distrust is omnipresent?
### Conclusion
The tragedy of Tsenga is an invitation to question the nature of conflicts in the DRC, but also the means of putting an end. If violence sometimes seems to be the only answer, there is an urgent need for dialogue, listening and proactive measures to prevent such dramas from happening again. An approach based on empathy, inclusion and peaceful conflict resolution could perhaps light up the way to a more serene future for the populations of Ituri. The tragedies that affect these communities remind us that beyond policies, there are human lives that are at stake-and the search for solutions must always be done with respect for this fundamental reality.