On February 27, in Kalemie, the governor of Tanganyika, Christian Kitungwa, launched an urgent appeal for the mobilization of local populations in the face of Rwandan assault. This event, which has gathered representatives of various social strata, testifies to a patriotic dynamic which is strengthened in a historic region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), often perceived as a strategic lock for the Grand Katanga.
### A call to unity and resilience
In a context of recurring tensions with Rwanda, the message issued by Kitungwa goes beyond the simple exhortation to defend the national territory. It is also an attempt to strengthen the morale of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) in times of crisis. By saying that “our country will remain one and indivisible”, Kitungwa highlights the need for a national union, essential to overcome the security challenges encountered by the country.
This unit exhortation is all the more felt in a region such as Tanganyika, where the consequences of past conflicts still leave deep scars. The RAM of upheavals in the Grand Katanga and the exodus they have generated, obviously imposes increased vigilance in the face of new threats of aggression. Beyond the simple support for the FARDC, this discourse could be interpreted as a real call to redefine the collective identity of local populations.
### A collective mobilization: historical and challenges
The role of populations in the defense of the nation is not new in the DRC. Over the years, we have attended several similar mobilizations, reflecting both traditional and responsive patriotism. The Congo War (1996-2003), as well as recent clashes with armed groups, has seen calls similar to popular resistance. But the call of Governor Kitungwa is part of a different context, where the issues are not only military, but also economic and social. Tanganyika, as a region rich in mineral resources, is a strategic target for external entities, accentuating the importance of a solid national defense.
By encouraging young people to enlist in the army, Kitungwa also seeks to revive a dimension of civic responsibility. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the efforts of nations in crisis which encourage military service as a means of restoring a feeling of pride and duty within youth. However, it would be essential to ensure that these young people, armed with renewed patriotism, benefit from adequate training and serious commitments in terms of human rights.
### Active civic participation: towards a synergy with the population
Colonel Charles Yav Majita, through his call for vigilance, recognizes the primordial role of the population in this struggle. The explicit mention of the collaboration between civilians and soldiers is a crucial point often neglected in the security debates. Cohesion between these two entities could not only strengthen the effectiveness of the military response, but also build a united front against forces perceived as antagonists.
Compared to other African countries with similar invasions, such as Mali in the face of jihadist groups, the commitment of the population in the search for information and the denunciation of suspicious activities can be decisive. Recent statistics indicate that in regions where the population is mobilized, the success rate of military interventions increases significantly. Here, synergy is a key for resilience.
### Conclusion: a challenge to take up together
Kitungwa’s initiative represents a potential turning point in the perception that the peoples of Tanganyika and Grand Katanga can have their own security. Faced with external threats, the resolution of a national problem cannot be confined to military action; It calls for a total civic commitment, a reaffirmation of the values of solidarity and unity, and a awareness on geopolitical issues beyond Congolese borders.
While mobilizing around an image of unity, it is important to keep in mind that any action must also be accompanied by a reflection on social justice, the development and strengthening of institutions. A country that manages to federate the energies of its citizens could not only protect itself against external aggressions, but also build a fairer and resilient society. The future of Tanganyika and the DRC could then be written under the sign of renewed solidarity.