Title: The challenges of securing the Bulengo camp in Goma
Introduction :
The Bulengo site, located in the Lac Vert district to the west of the city of Goma, in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was recently the scene of a shocking act of violence. An element of the Congolese National Police (PNC) was stoned by displaced persons from the camp, following an incident with a motorcycle taxi driver. This event highlights the challenges faced by the authorities in ensuring security in the camps for the displaced. In this article, we will explore the causes of this incident, the repercussions on the population and the measures necessary to strengthen the security of the Bulengo camp.
The circumstances of the incident:
According to information reported by the head of the Bulengo camp, Dedesi Mitima, the incident began when the motorcycle taxi driver broke through the camp entrance barrier, erected by the Police. This behavior led to his arrest and violence from law enforcement officers. The driver’s colleagues, also motorcycle riders, then stormed into the police station, prompting the remaining officers to flee. Unfortunately, one of them was the victim of a fatal stoning, causing panic among the population.
Consequences and reactions:
In addition to the police officer’s tragic death, three people sustained gunshot wounds and had to be taken to CBCA Hospital for proper treatment. This act of violence has sown terror among the inhabitants of the Bulengo camp, who are already displaced and face precarious living conditions. The head of the camp, Dedesi Mitima, strongly condemns this incident and calls on the population to demand their rights without violence. He also underlines the importance of tolerance on the part of the police towards the population.
Reinforcement of security measures:
Following this event, it is essential to strengthen security measures in the Bulengo camp. The authorities must take concrete measures to guarantee the protection of the displaced and prevent new incidents. This could include increasing the number of police or security forces present in the camp, setting up regular patrols or even raising awareness among the population on how to avoid conflicts.
Conclusion :
The tragic incident in Bulengo camp in Goma highlights the challenges of securing camps for displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo. To ensure the security of the displaced populations, it is essential that the authorities strengthen security measures and promote communication and mutual understanding between the displaced and the police. Only in this way can we guarantee respect for the rights and protection of people living in these vulnerable camps