MONUSCO Police (UNPOL), in collaboration with the Congolese National Police, recently organized training to combat religiously motivated violent extremism. This initiative aims to strengthen the skills of Congolese police officers in Beni and Oicha in the identification and prevention of terrorist acts.
According to Deputy High Commissioner François Kalonda, the Beni region has been facing a terrorism problem for several years. It is therefore crucial to train local police officers in the practices and methods used by terrorists in order to identify them, track them and stop them before they commit their acts. This training will enable police officers to detect weak signals of radicalization, such as social isolation and changes in behavior.
Senior Commissioner Israel Mumbere Mutoto, commander of the Mbau police station, also emphasizes the importance of this training. He recalls that his region has been the scene of terrorist acts, such as the kidnapping of priests, which have sowed terror among the local population. Thanks to this training, police officers will be able to intervene in a more methodical manner and gather solid evidence to support their investigations.
Trainer François Kalonda explains that prevention is one of the key aspects of the fight against terrorism. By identifying and following the recruitment and training channels of potential terrorists, police officers will be able to act before they carry out the act. This proactive approach will save lives and ensure the safety of local communities.
It is important to note that Beni and its surroundings have recently been the scene of attacks claimed by the ADF, an extremist group claiming to be part of the Islamic State. These attacks caused the deaths of many innocent people, reinforcing the need to train police officers to counter violent extremism.
In conclusion, training Congolese police officers in the fight against violent religious extremism is a crucial step in guaranteeing the security of local populations. Thanks to this initiative, police officers will be better prepared to detect, prevent and respond effectively to terrorist threats. The collaboration between MONUSCO and the Congolese National Police is a positive example of international commitment in the fight against violent extremism.