This report analyses the phenomenon of roadblocks in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Departing from a socio-anthropological approach, the report argues that roadblocks are sites where a variety of state and non-state actors interact with each other and with the population. The report shows that roadblocks are more than just instruments of predation. Over time roadblocks have become part of the socio-economic landscape in eastern DRC and function as sites of social regulation in the context of state fragility. Finally, the report highlights the paradox that people both support the maintenance and removal of these roadblocks, thus opening up a debate on their future in South Kivu and DRC more broadly.