The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is going through a period of political and social transition, marked by growing instability and fragile security. During the hundredth meeting of the Council of Ministers of the Government of the Republic, the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, Jean-Claude Molipe, gave an update on the state and administration of the national territory.
The VPM highlighted the main concerns of the Congolese population. On the one hand, the distribution of seats by electoral district for the legislative, provincial, municipal and local elections raises the incomprehension of certain elected officials. On the other hand, President Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to China raises questions about the content of Sino-Congolese cooperation.
In addition, the agreements concluded between the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Rwanda and the DRC for the repatriation of Congolese and Rwandan refugees accentuate the tensions between the two countries. Recent terrorist attacks, armed robberies and kidnappings on highways and at mining sites have also contributed to heightening the anxiety-provoking atmosphere in the country.
Despite the Congolese authorities’ awareness of the importance of ensuring the security of the Congolese population, the “Kuluna” phenomenon persists in Kinshasa as well as attacks by armed groups in several provinces. Faced with the rise in crime, it is necessary for the authorities to put in place reinforced security measures to prevent attacks and guarantee the safety of citizens.
In addition, the damage caused by the torrential rain that fell on Mweka, resulting in the destruction of many homes, accentuates the precariousness of the Congolese population already weakened by a difficult socio-economic context.
In such a context, it is essential that the Congolese authorities strengthen internal security to protect citizens and that they continue their efforts to improve the living conditions of the Congolese population.