** Analysis of population displacements in the territories of Walikale and Lubero: a look at the humanitarian situation in March 2025 **
The monthly report published by the Office of Humanitarian Affairs Coordination (OCHA) highlights an alarming reality in the territories of Walikale and Lubero: new population trips, a direct consequence of persistent armed violence, accentuate humanitarian challenges in this already vulnerable region. This document broadcast on April 15, 2025 lists a set of tragic events, while emphasizing the resilience of certain communities, while calling for a deeper reflection on the underlying issues.
### A dark painting of violence and exodus
The report describes an increase in violence, especially in Walikale-Center, with attacks that have led to the flight of more than 70 % of the population to forests and other localities. The bombings that occurred on March 22 led to the death of several civilians and the destruction of essential infrastructure, such as Kigoma aerodrome and the bridge over the Lowa river. These events are not simple statistics, but reveal a tragic situation where human lives are seriously affected, which deserves sustained attention.
Faced with this crisis, the availability of humanitarian assistance has supported around 286,000 people. However, the question of access to this aid remains central. Armed confrontations are hindering not only the distribution of aid, but also complicate the supply of medical equipment and other inputs, thus exacerbating the health situation in the affected regions. Humanitarian workers are often in a delicate position, having to juggle between the need to intervene and the risks linked to security.
### Communities resilience
Despite the disturbing table that the OCHA draws up, it is encouraging to note signs of return to a semi-normal life in certain parts of Walikale-Center, where about 20 % of the inhabitants began to return to their homes in early April 2025. could this dynamic be the beginning of a broader recovery, or is it simply a temporary response to the sporadic improvements of local security? It is crucial to ask this question to anticipate the following possible stages of recovery.
The activities in small markets, as well as the reopening of certain services, testify to a desire to return to normality. This raises questions about the conditions that made this return. Local communities, often avant-garde in resilience to disasters, can provide precious lessons for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure.
### Incursions to Masisi
At the same time, the situation in Masisi territory remains worrying, with frequent incursion reports and clashes between armed groups. The leak of at least 900 people to the locality of Nyange testifies to a dynamic of violence which seems to spread, recalling that stability in a region is often interconnected with that of neighboring regions. These trips raise the need for a concerted and regional approach to approach the deep causes of armed conflicts.
The kidnappings reported, such as those in the villages of Malemo, Kahira and Kamonyi, feed a climate of insecurity that makes daily life unbearable for many inhabitants. How can local, national and international actors collaborate to eradicate this scourge? The answer to this question not only requires immediate actions, but also long -term strategies using diplomacy, mediation and dialogue.
### to a global approach
It clearly appears that, despite humanitarian assistance that achieves thousands of people, solutions must go beyond humanitarian aid. A real stability and a return to lasting peace require an understanding of the social, economic and political dynamics that feed this cycle of violence. Increased support for economic development, education and community reconciliation could help break this problematic cycle.
While the international community observes these events, it is imperative to remember that each figure in the OCHA report represents human lives, families, stories. The persistent suffering of these communities calls for a renewed commitment and a collective mobilization. Each effort counts and it is our common responsibility to work for a future where peace and security can prevail over violence and desolation.
The situation in the territories of Walikale and Lubero illustrates the need for constructive dialogue and concerted action to make significant and lasting changes. Asking yourself the right questions and exploring the improvement tracks are essential steps towards a better understanding and, hopefully, towards viable solutions.