Fatshimetrie, July 17, 2024 – The question of governance of the security sector, more specifically the reform of the Police in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is at the heart of the concerns of the population, particularly students. During a scientific morning at the University of Kinshasa (Unikin), it was emphasized that security is no longer solely the responsibility of the State or its services, but now involves the active commitment of citizens, including students are part of it.
Fatoumata Diallo, representative and team leader of the Center for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) in the DRC, highlighted the importance of the participation of young academics in security sector reform, as an essential element to the promotion of peace and the establishment of an inclusive, effective and accountable security institution. She called on young people to take ownership of this theme, to conduct research and why not, to join the police to contribute with their dynamism and innovative ideas to the development of the country.
Professor Raoul Kienge-Kienge, director of the Unikin School of Criminology, stressed that this activity aimed to present the progress and challenges of the reform of the Congolese National Police, while introducing questions relating to governance security sector reform in academia. He insisted on the importance of involving students, researchers and members of the academic and scientific body in issues of governance of the security sector, emphasizing their essential role in these crucial issues for society.
Professor Jean-Marie Kayembe, rector of Unikin, expressed his gratitude to the DCAF/RDC for having entrusted his school of criminology with a study of the impact and perceptions of the PNC reform by police officers in the provinces of Ituri, Ecuador, Kasai and Kinshasa. He stressed that the University’s mission is to serve the community by offering quality services, and encouraged youth to become more involved in this process in order to actively contribute to improving the security and governance of the sector.
This morning was also an opportunity to highlight the paradox of the living and working conditions of police officers, highlighting the challenges they face on a daily basis. The session closed with a series of questions and answers between students and key players in the reform process, demonstrating the commitment and involvement of youth in security and governance issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In short, this meeting at the University of Kinshasa highlighted the importance of citizen participation, particularly that of young people, in the reform of the security sector and underlined the essential role of academic circles in reflection and action for effective and responsible security and governance.