Fishing and Security Crisis in the Great Lakes Region: Impact on the Fishing Communities of Uvira

This article examines the effects of security instability on fishing communities in the city of Uvira, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in the Great Lakes region. Using a qualitative approach that combines interviews, field observations, and documentary analysis, the study highlights the multidimensional impact of armed conflicts on the fishing economy. The findings reveal that insecurity restricts access to fishing zones, reduces household income, disrupts the marketing chain, and causes forced displacement.Women, who are active in fish processing and sales, are particularly affected. Despite these challenges, local coping strategies have emerged, such as strengthening community cooperation, diversifying economic activities, implementing alert and security mechanisms, engaging in local dialogue with stakeholders, and promoting fish processing and preservation, as well as training and awareness initiatives. However, these strategies remain limited due to a lack of institutional support. By mobilizing theories of war economy and local development, the analysis reveals the complex interactions among conflict, the informal economy, and community resilience. The article concludes with recommendations to strengthen security, support local fishing actors, and promote sustainable regional governance around Lake Tanganyika.

 Keywords : Fishing, Armed Conflicts, Security Instability, Local economy, Resilience, Great Lakes region