### Analysis of the murder of the village chief of Mabuo: issues and perspectives
On the night of May 20, the village of Mabuo, located 28 kilometers from Oicha in the territory of Beni, was shaken by an act of tragic violence: the assassination of his chief, Paluku Kinda, by unidentified armed men. This event highlights a recurring problem of insecurity which affects not only this village, but also the North Kivu region, already in the grip of armed conflicts and social tensions.
#### Regional context
North Kivu, rich in natural resources, is regularly the scene of violence attributed to various armed groups, which exploit ethnic tensions and the flaws of governance. The region has a long history of conflicts, exacerbated by political and economic rivalries, as well as by the late presence of the State in rural areas. The attackers who killed Chief Kinda are part of this dynamic of violence which contributes to the deterioration of the security situation.
Mamove’s president of civil society, Kinos Katuho, expressed his deep concern by evoking the chief’s crucial importance in the development of his community. The latter worked for the protection of the inhabitants, which raises the question of the vulnerability of community leaders in the face of increasing instability. Their disappearance not only leaves a vacuum in leadership, but it also induce a climate of fear and mistrust within the populations.
#### A call to action
Kinos Katuho made an urgent appeal to the authorities so that they carry out rigorous investigations and identify the armed groups responsible for this act. Although this request is legitimate, it also highlights a worrying observation: the need to reform and strengthen security and justice institutions. Katuho’s sentence, which invites civilians not to collaborate with armed groups, raises another crucial question: how can civilians resist the temptation of these alliances when they feel abandoned by the State and delivered to violence?
#### to a systemic change
The rise in violence in the Beni-Mbau sector requires a holistic, not only military but also socio-political response. The military operations combined between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Ugandan army (UPDF), although necessary, cannot be sufficient to establish lasting peace. It is imperative to tackle the deep causes of insecurity, such as poverty, lack of education, and community rivalries.
In parallel, strengthen dialogue between the various stakeholders (government, civil society organizations, local populations) could promote a better understanding of the needs and expectations of each group. Such a holistic approach could create mechanisms for prevention of violence and reconciliation within communities.
#### Conclusion: a difficult path to go
The murder of Chief Paluku Kinda underlines the urgency of a concerted action to restore peace and security in North Kivu. The challenges are numerous and complex. In an environment where confidence between citizens and state institutions is often eroded by decades of conflict, it is essential to build bridges rather than walls.
It will be necessary to reflect on innovative solutions that take into account the concerns of local populations, while strengthening the institutions responsible for ensuring their security. The implementation of participatory governance mechanisms could ultimately offer a way to a lasting resilience of communities in the face of armed violence. With this in mind, the voices of civil society, like those of Kinos Katuho, could play a key role as actors of change.