Title: Persistent insecurity in Beni: an alarming situation that calls for urgent measures
Introduction :
The city of Beni, located in the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a wave of burglaries which has already claimed the lives of nine people. During the last two months, more than 850 houses have been broken into, leaving the population in great distress. This alarming situation raises questions about the effectiveness of the measures taken to ensure security in the region. In this article, we will take a close look at this issue and discuss the actions needed to end this persistent insecurity.
The alarming observation of insecurity:
According to local authorities, the city of Beni has recorded seven burglary-related deaths in the past two months. This wave of violence has sown fear and anxiety among the population, which feels increasingly vulnerable. The figures speak for themselves: more than 850 cases of burglaries in just two months is an alarming rate that requires an urgent response from the competent authorities.
The ineffectiveness of the state of siege:
Faced with this rise in insecurity, the president of the Beni company, Pépin Kavota, is asking for the lifting of the state of siege which, according to him, has not yielded the expected results. This exceptional measure, which was put in place to strengthen security in the region, has obviously failed to stem the wave of burglaries. It is therefore essential to find other more effective solutions to ensure the safety of the inhabitants of Beni.
The rise in the price of water: a double penalty for the population:
In addition to insecurity, the population of Beni also faces a considerable increase in the price of water. The mayor of the city has decided to increase the price of a 20-litre container of water at the standpipe by 100%, from 50 to 100 Congolese francs. This decision was strongly criticized by civil society, which considers that it aggravates the suffering of the population already weakened by insecurity. It is crucial to take into account the precarious living conditions of the inhabitants of Beni and to work to improve access to essential services such as drinking water.
Recurring electricity disruptions: another scourge for the population of Beni:
In addition to insecurity and rising water prices, civil society in Beni also denounces the electricity problems in the region. Frequent blackouts, poor power quality and the prohibitive prices of electricity supplied by the Energie du Kivu (ENK) company have a significant impact on the daily life of the inhabitants. There is a need to improve the electricity infrastructure and ensure that all residents of Beni have access to stable and affordable electricity.
Conclusion :
The current situation in Beni is worrying, with growing insecurity, rising water prices and recurring electricity problems. It is essential that local and national authorities take urgent measures to guarantee the safety of the inhabitants, improve access to essential services and promote the development of the region