Article: Abductions in Kinshasa: A growing climate of concern
For some time now, the people of Kinshasa have been living in fear and worry about the multiplication of cases of kidnappings in the capital. This situation of growing insecurity has created a real psychosis among the inhabitants who are wondering who will be the next victim.
Testimonies collected from Kinshasa residents reveal the extent of this alarming phenomenon. Marcel Muamba, a resident of the commune of Masina, tells the story of his cousin kidnapped by armed men aboard a yellow taxi, commonly known as “Ketch”. After being held in secret for three days, he was released for a ransom of $500 in mobile money. In the district of Marcel, three cases of kidnappings were reported, one of which resulted in the death of the victim.
These kidnappings, perpetrated by yellow taxis, have sown mistrust among the population. It becomes difficult to distinguish the real taxi drivers from the criminals. This situation has a direct impact on taxi drivers who are seeing their clientele decline. Their livelihood is thus threatened, adding further pressure to this already worrying situation.
Although the police recently succeeded in arresting a group of bandits responsible for these kidnappings, the population is far from reassured. Not only does she judge the effectiveness of the security forces to be insufficient, but she also notes that kidnappings continue to increase despite these arrests.
This situation of generalized insecurity raises questions and legitimate fears. The competent authorities, in particular the National and Provincial Ministers of the Interior, must take drastic measures to put an end to this phenomenon. The population is impatiently awaiting concrete actions and a strengthening of security measures.
In conclusion, the climate of concern persists in Kinshasa in the face of the multiplication of kidnappings. It is crucial that the authorities take quick and effective measures to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants. The population aspires to regain serenity and to live without the constant fear of becoming the next victim of these criminal acts