The persistent presence of armed groups such as the Wazalendo, the FDLR, and the Nyatura still active and often concealed within the territory of Nyiragongo remains a major obstacle to any initiative aimed at achieving lasting peace in North Kivu, particularly for the city of Goma.
The complete neutralization of these networks, which still maintain strongholds in the region, would send a powerful signal of change. Such a move would restore hope to the civilian population often held hostage by ongoing cycles of violence and offer a credible prospect of real and lasting peace.
It is important to recall that the FDLR-Crap and Nyatura are not merely rogue militias. They continue to serve as strategic allies for Kinshasa in its fight against the M23 rebellion. In addition to receiving substantial financial support from the Congolese government, these groups are deeply embedded in a structured socio-economic network, notably through ties with civilians involved in the trade of charcoal, firewood, and timber in the region.
Given this reality, strong and coordinated measures are needed to dismantle these networks once and for all. The sporadic military operations observed recently especially following the visit of the Minister of Defense to Uvira (South Kivu) and the actions carried out on the night of April 11, 2025, in Goma and the Nyiragongo territory are not coincidental. These are planned offensives, backed by structured financial and logistical support from Kinshasa.
In this context, it becomes increasingly difficult to believe that the Doha process will yield concrete results for the benefit of civilians, particularly regarding the cessation of hostilities. Kinshasa appears focused on a military solution, which some perceive as a political strategy to strengthen President Félix Tshisekedi’s grip on power a leadership whose legitimacy remains heavily contested. His regime continues to suffer from widespread corruption and the tribalization of institutions, eroding public trust.
After the failures of the Nairobi and Luanda processes to deliver lasting peace, it is doubtful that Doha will achieve better results unless there is a profound shift in approach, both at the national level and in the international community’s engagement.
