### Violence to Tsostso: a test of resilience and reflection
On June 7, the locality of TSOTSO, located in the territory of Djugu in Ituri, was the scene of a new tragedy when alleged CODECO militiamen opened fire, causing the death of four and injuring three others. This attack is part of a context of recurring violence that affects this already proven region. Two days before the attack, the inhabitants had been gathered for funeral, having lost seven of their compatriots in a similar offensive. This spiral of violence raises crucial questions about the security, the resilience of the inhabitants and the responsibilities of the authorities.
The lack of security, illustrated by these tragic news items, only increases anxiety among the population. This feeling is reinforced by the fact that, during the attack, many inhabitants were in mourning, which underlines the brutality of the acts of the militiamen. The impact of violence is not limited to direct victims; He generates a collective psychosis that pushes whole families to flee to areas deemed safer, such as Matete or Sey. The fear of a new attack now dictates the daily life of the villagers, sometimes even their ability to cry and honor their dead in peace.
It is notorious that, even with the presence of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the MONUSCO peacekeepers in the region, security remains unstable. Although these forces are responsible for protecting the population, their effectiveness is questioned, at the origin of a feeling of despair that invades communities. The request made by the local civil society for the installation of a permanent position of the FARDC in TSOTSO is indicative of a desperate protective quest. These claims are to be understood in a framework where instability seems to have become the norm.
The situation in Tsostso does not stand out as an isolated phenomenon; It is part of a wider table of regional tensions, where clashes between different militias, such as recent clashes in Piko between Codeco and Zaire militia, testify to rivalries anchored in complex historical dynamics. These internal struggles are often exacerbated by socio-economic factors, in particular competition for resources and lack of access to public services. The fact that at least twenty people were killed in June in surrounding customary entities reinforces the impression that this violence is symptomatic of a deeper structural crisis.
It is relevant to wonder what are the real reasons for this escalation. Behind the apparent irrationality of attacks, political and socio-economic issues are often hidden. Armed groups such as CODECO or Zaire militia are not monolithic entities; They interact with local power structures, thus influencing conflict dynamics.
Avenues for improvement are necessary to go beyond the urgency of military interventions. Strengthen dialogue between the different communities could be fundamental to building lasting peace. Mediation initiatives that integrate local leaders and social actors could help define tensions and promote a climate of trust.
In addition, an integrated approach that combines security, socio-economic development and respect for human rights could help treat the deep causes of instability. Investment in education, infrastructure and access to fundamental services is essential to restore the confidence of populations in their institutions, while opening up future prospects.
TSOTSO events are heartbreaking and illustrate a tragic reality for many communities in Ituri. By reflecting on these issues, it appears that the path to peace and stability requires a holistic approach, involving both the State, international actors and civil society in a concerted effort to build a lasting future for all. In doing so, perhaps, slowly but surely, bridges can be established towards reconciliation and hope.