The Silent Faceoff in the Democratic Republic of Congo

In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a silent faceoff is unfolding. Alpha, a young Congolese, is posted on a hill in Saké, a town in eastern DRC, where fighters from the M23 rebel group lurk. The M23 rebels are among over 100 armed groups vying for control in the mineral-rich area near the border with Rwanda.

As the situation remains precarious, many young people from the communities have enlisted in the local armed group, Wazalendo, or the Patriots in Swahili. Alpha explains why he took up arms: "I decided to take up arms because of the security situation in my country. We are fighting the enemy (M23 movement), who is a foreigner in our country, who is not Congolese and is fighting Congo. We’re not going to let them (M23) take our country."

Despite the presence of government soldiers and Wazalendo fighters, some residents are still deciding whether to stay or flee. Bitakweya, a resident, says, "I can see that the enemy is on the other hill. And here, at home, it’s the Wazalendo who are there, as well as the government soldiers. Now, I don’t know if I’m going to stay at home or not as long as the enemy is there."

Away from the frontline, the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo patrols the streets of Goma. Brig. General Ranjan Mahajan, Monusco Center Sector Commander for North Kivu, explains the UN’s strategy: "The strategy of MONUSCO depends upon the level of the violence that is created by the belligerent groups. It totally depends upon the level of threat that is posed by the illegal groups or for the protection of civilians."

The security situation is marked by recurrent clashes, massacres of civilians, and massive population displacements. The UN estimated in July that the North Kivu province was home to 2.8 million displaced people. Kinshasa has long accused Rwanda of backing M23 fighters who operate in its eastern North Kivu province, an accusation Rwanda denies.

As the faceoff continues, the international community is watching with concern, hoping for a resolution to the conflict that will bring peace and stability to the region.