Abductions in Kinshasa: Why the population demands strong measures to end psychosis
The recent series of kidnappings in Kinshasa sent shock waves through the population. The kidnappers, operating mainly from taxis, spread terror by demanding large ransoms and threatening to kill their victims. Although the judicial authorities have succeeded in capturing the culprits and convicting them, the psychosis persists and the inhabitants of the Congolese capital are calling for strong measures to put an end to this alarming situation.
The verdict handed down by the High Court of Kinshasa/Gombe convicted the 27 kidnappers, including 4 police officers, of criminal association, armed robbery and murder. Some were given the death penalty, others were sentenced to penal servitude ranging from 10 to 2 years in prison. Damages were also imposed on the convicts.
However, this is not enough in the eyes of the Dynamics for the Fight against Human Trafficking and Human Trafficking (DCTH), a non-governmental organization for the defense of human rights. According to the national coordinator of the DCTH, Dieumerci Kitamboau, it is imperative that the convicts serve their sentences in a prison far from Kinshasa. In particular, he suggests the prisons of Buluo or Angenga as places of detention.
The feeling of insecurity persists in the Congolese capital. Residents remain traumatized by the tragic events and are now wary of taxis, which were once a common means of transport. Ironic commercials are even circulating on social networks, highlighting this growing mistrust.
In addition, some doubt the effectiveness of judicial repression, fearing that the real sponsors of these kidnappings are still at large. This uncertainty feeds the climate of fear and keeps the population in a constant state of vigilance.
Faced with this worrying situation, it is essential that the Congolese authorities take concrete measures to restore the confidence of the population and guarantee its safety. Strengthening security measures in the most affected neighborhoods, stepping up police patrols and strengthening cooperation between the various security services are all measures that could help put an end to this psychosis.
The people of Kinshasa expect firm action from the authorities in order to restore security and, thanks to this, return to a normal life. It is time to put an end to this wave of kidnappings and reassure the inhabitants of Kinshasa