### context of the security situation in Ituri: a new chapter with the armed group of Thomas Lubanga
On May 20, 2025, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) announced that they had rejected the advances of the rebels loyal to Thomas Lubanga, a former warlord which was particularly criticized for his actions passed during the war in Ituri. This confrontation, which once again highlights persistent tensions in the region, has deep repercussions on the population and raises several questions about security and stability in Ituri.
#### A return of the conflict?
The recent clashes around Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri, and more particularly in Lopa, illustrate a return of armed violence. According to Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, army spokesperson in the region, the FARDC managed to retreat the rebels, who suffer from heavy losses. However, the concordant testimonies of local sources suggest a more complex reality, with a region where the FARDC and the armed groups would share control.
This phenomenon of areas controlled by rebel groups is not new in Ituri, which was the scene of a civil war marked by human rights violations and interethnic clashes. The resurgence of armed groups, like the LUBANGA CRP, raises concerns about the capacity of the Congolese state to ensure security and to manage power dynamics on the ground.
#### The implications of armed conflicts
Beyond the simple military question, it is essential to question the social and economic impacts generated by these conflicts. The localities that fall under the control of armed groups face serious difficulties, whether it be access to basic services, education or health. The civilian populations, often taken between two fires, see their daily life deeply affected by increasing insecurity. In addition, population movements linked to these confrontations can lead to an aggravated humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, the fact that these armed groups can occupy territories sometimes akin to a vacuum on the part of state institutions. In this context, it seems that long-term solutions will have to include strategies aimed at strengthening local institutional capacities, to promote inclusive dialogue and to approach the deep socio-economic causes which feed the cycle of violence.
#### Reflections on possible answers
The reaction of the FARDC, although praised by some as a military success, must be integrated into a broader approach which takes into account the political dimension of these conflicts. How can the state restore confidence with local populations, who, on several occasions, expressed frustrations in the face of the ineffectiveness of state structures?
A constructive dialogue with communities, as well as the involvement of civil actors, could constitute crucial stages. Reconciliation initiatives, support for local development and investment in education and health are all levers to explore to tackle the roots of instability.
#### Conclusion
While the situation in Ituri continues to evolve, it is essential to keep in mind that sustainable peace cannot be reached without a concerted collective effort. Recent military actions represent only part of the necessary response to a larger problem. If the territorial and international community does not set out to understand and solve the underlying issues, the cycles of violence could continue, fueling a climate of insecurity and despair for local populations. The decisions taken today in terms of public policies, development and translation of citizen expectations could define the future of this region already bruised and full of promises.
In short, collective reflection on what is at stake in Ituri is essential to consider sustainable and humanist solutions.