### Tensions in Kisangani: a tragic assessment and issues to consider
On Tuesday, June 3, 2025, the town of Lubunga, in Kisangani, was the scene of tragic scuffles between the police forces and the self -proclaimed group “Wazalendo”. These incidents led to the death of two people and to the arrest of several others, alarmingly recalling the security challenges that persist in the Tshopo region. One of the dead is the child of a police officer, killed during the confrontations, while the leader of the Wazalendo group also lost his life. These events raise complex questions about security, social issues and the role of the authorities.
The term “wazalendo”, which means “patriots”, is often used to designate groups which appear as protectors of their community, but which can also resort to violence. In the present case, this group has manifested itself during an attempt to relocate a market in Bandengaido, an action which aimed to set up a small market near their headquarters, in the hope of collecting taxes. This project, similar to other local initiatives across the country, highlights the fight for economic control in neighborhoods where resources are often perceived as rare.
The first information elements indicate that the members of this group faced market merchants, directly opposing those who exercise their activities. This opposition seems to have been the direct source of the escalation of violence, confirmed by the bourgmestre of Lubunga, Baudouin Kayongo, who described the authorities’ response to restore order. The status quo between the police and the groups like the Wazalendo is often delicate and can quickly turn into violent confrontation, fueling an instability cycle.
The question then arises: what led to this escalation? Young members of this group can be a reflection of the frustrations generated by the lack of opportunities and a constructive dialogue on the needs of communities. They seem to be part of a context of disengagement, where young people feel excluded from decision -making processes. This observation calls for reflection on the integration of these voices in community discussions.
The consequences of such clashes are numerous. Immediately, the loss of human life is tragic and leaves a lasting trauma in the community. In addition, the arrests carried out by the police, although they are a desire to establish order, can cause increased resentment to the authorities, thus exacerbating a climate of distrust. In contexts of conflict, this distrust can quickly become a factor of radicalization.
It should also be noted that Lubunga events are not isolated. They are part of a wider landscape of socio-political tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, often marked by identity claims, territorial disputes and struggles for access to resources. Mbole-Lengola conflicts, mentioned in the context of incidents, illustrate this complex dynamic. The need for intercommunity dialogue and a commitment from the authorities to appease tensions is more than ever required.
Reactions to these events must be articulated around the idea of reconciliation and reconstruction of social fabric, avoiding stigmatizing groups that feel marginalized. The implementation of participatory mechanisms to include young people in decisions that concern them may be a first step towards resolution of tensions. Likewise, strengthening the training of the police on the management of non -violent conflicts could be a promising track.
In conclusion, the tragic outcome of Lubunga clashes reminds us of the importance of taking into account the concerns and needs of the various actors involved in security dynamics. Violence should not become the norm, and communities must work together to find peaceful solutions to the conflicts that divide them. It is by listening to the stories and looking for compromises that we can hope to build solid bases for a more serene future in Kisangani and throughout the Tshopo region.