Title: Sylvano Kasongo: Mixed results at the head of the Kinshasa provincial police
Introduction :
Sylvano Kasongo, who was appointed head of the Kinshasa provincial police in July 2017, raised as many hopes as disappointments during his tenure. Replacing the famous general Célestin Kanyama, known for his fight against the Kuluna, he unfortunately failed to maintain security in the Congolese capital. On the contrary, insecurity has worsened with the appearance of the phenomenon of kidnapping and the presence of police officers among the kidnappers. The people of Kinshasa have clearly expressed their disappointment at the lack of will and adequate measures to combat this alarming situation.
A mixed picture:
Under Sylvano Kasongo’s leadership, security in Kinshasa deteriorated, causing great dissatisfaction among the capital’s residents. While his predecessor, General Celestin Kanyama, had succeeded in reducing the Kuluna phenomenon, the emergence of kidnapping became a scourge under Kasongo’s tenure. Abductions increased, both during the day and at night, and the population was also shocked to learn that some police officers were involved in these criminal acts. The measures taken by Kasongo were deemed weak and ineffective, and many lives were lost due to the insecurity in the town.
A lack of will and responsibility:
The population of Kinshasa has criticized Sylvano Kasongo for his lack of will to solve the capital’s security problems. Despite numerous demonstrations by the political opposition and calls from the population for stronger measures, Kasongo appeared to be more concerned with political interests than with the safety of Kinshasa residents. His mixed record revealed a weak view of his responsibilities and an inability to deal effectively with the growing insecurity in the city.
The need for change:
Faced with a disappointing record, the people of Kinshasa and security experts are clearly calling for a change of leadership. The recent changeover carried out by the supreme commander of the armed forces and the Congolese national police was welcomed by all, thus underlining the importance of a revival to fight effectively against insecurity in Kinshasa. It is undeniable that the current situation calls for stronger measures, real political will and real responsibility in the management of security in the capital.
Conclusion :
Sylvano Kasongo failed to meet the security expectations of the people of Kinshasa. Its mixed record is marked by an increase in insecurity, with the emergence of the phenomenon of kidnapping and the involvement of police officers in these criminal acts.. The population is calling for a new leadership, stronger and more committed, in order to restore security in Kinshasa and guarantee the protection of the inhabitants of the Congolese capital