In light of the recent take-over
of Goma, in the east of the DRC, by the rebel group M23 and continual rumours
of opposition resurgence in Burundi, mistrust between the Congolese and
Burundian communities either side of the border has been intensified. Adding
further fuel to the fire is the increased cross border collaboration between
rebel groups: for example, Front National pour la Revolution au Burundi has
created a new alliance with the well organised M23. Consequently, any Congolese
crossing the border is deemed to be facilitating the resurgence of armed
violence in Burundi and Burundians crossing the border are suspected of
illegally profiting from the DRC´s rich mineral resources. Distrust rather than
cooperation is flourishing.
Responding to a potentially
escalating climate of distrust, CEDAC with its international partners Action on
Armed Violence (AOAV) and Search For Common Ground (SFCG) along with Vision
GRAM – International (a local organisation in DRC) carried out a baseline
survey in December and other activities to measure the impact of armed violence
in border communities and promote cross border cooperation. In four communities, Buganda and Rugombo in
Burundi, Sange and Ruvungi in the DRC,
two hundred participants were interviewed to gage their level of confidence in
the ability of state agents to protect, the general security context and the
impact of Armed Violence on their life/community. Further information was
gathered through an additional 25 in depth interviews. CEDAC processed this information to come up
with a course of action to promote cross border social cohesion.
Briefly, survey data suggested
that armed violence continues to be prevalent at the border of Burundi and DRC,
with mostly adult males as targets but also male children being recruited as
child soldiers. 54% felt that armed
violence came from across borders and the choice of weapon was usually
firearms. A crisis of confidence has begun to settle between security services
and communities, in which 54% have little to no confidence in law enforcement
agencies to protect them. As a consequence of the armed violence, 37.2% of the
respondents report psychological stress (insomnia, hopelessness, disconnection
from community). These many signs of stigma and trauma among victims of armed
violence deserve special attention at the community level to which CEDAC has carved
its expertise.
A town hall meeting was organised
in Cibitoke to share the results of the study and hold a discussion session
where participants could ask questions about the research and provide initial
feedback. Attendees worked in groups to provide ideas of potentially helpful
programmes that CEDAC and its partners can develop in the region. Moreover, the
validation meeting served as a forum for leaders and community members on both
sides to hear new ideas put forth about possibilities for collaboration to
reduce armed violence
A Eucalyptus tree planting
activity occurred on the day following the validation meeting and held both
practical and symbolic meanings. The
Eucalyptus tree is the national tree of Burundi but will grow and multiply
quickly to be a visual symbol of burgeoning cross-border DRC/Burundian
community cooperation. Furthermore, the Eucalyptus trees will anchor the loose
topsoil stopping soil erosion and aid farming which is affected by heavy foot
traffic sweeping away seeds before they have time to grow. Altogether 120
people took part in this activity and thanked CEDAC for initiating these cross
border activities in which they can build vital links with communities on the
other side of the border.
Rounding off CEDAC´s set of community
building activities, a popular Burundian band Peace and Love performed to about
2,000 people in another area of Cibitoke. Holding the concert was a way of
further publicising the projects aims of bringing people together.
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| Tbe Burundian group Peace and Love play to an audience of 2,000 people in Cibitoke to promote peaceful coexistence. |
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