Security is a major issue in many countries, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is no exception. Faced with an upsurge in gangs and insecurity, the government has decided to act by recruiting at least 13,000 additional agents to strengthen the national police and civil protection.
This announcement was made by Peter Kazadi, the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Interior, Security and Customary Affairs, during a meeting with the leaders of the Congolese national police. According to Kazadi, these recruitments aim to strengthen security in the country, where neighborhood gangs, known as “Kuluna”, have taken root in Kinshasa and other regions.
But the threat of insecurity is not limited to neighborhood gangs. Kidnappings followed by murders have recently been reported in Kinshasa, highlighting the presence of criminal elements within the security forces themselves. Some rogue police officers have been arrested and brought to justice, while other infiltrators have yet to be identified.
Faced with these challenges, it is crucial that the recruitments announced within the national police meet rigorous selection and training criteria. Newly recruited officers will have to demonstrate good citizenship and undergo adequate training to effectively ensure the safety of the population.
It is encouraging to see that the Congolese government is taking concrete steps to strengthen security in the country. These additional recruitments will make it possible to increase the staff of the national police and to better fight against insecurity. However, it is essential to ensure the transparency and integrity of the recruitment process, in order to avoid any infiltration or corruption within law enforcement.
It is also important to stress that security cannot rely solely on law enforcement. Crime prevention and the promotion of a safe environment require a multidimensional approach, involving the active participation of civil society, local institutions and the population in general.
In conclusion, the additional recruitments announced by the Congolese government to strengthen the national police are a positive step to combat the growing insecurity in the country. It is crucial that these recruitments be accompanied by rigorous selection and adequate training, in order to guarantee the integrity and effectiveness of law enforcement. But to achieve real security, it is also necessary to promote a holistic approach, involving the participation of all actors in society