Recent news from Kwango province is causing great concern, as several people are being held hostage by Mobondo militiamen on the Lonzo-Kingala road. A tragic incident occurred on Friday, October 18, when a vehicle carrying passengers, including students from Kinshasa, was attacked. The armed men robbed the vehicle and took at least four hostages with them to an unknown destination.
This alarming situation has spread fear among the local population, who fear serious consequences like those that occurred previously in September, when hostages were executed on the same section. In Kingala, residents are plunged into mourning and fear, with three other vehicles blocked for fear of a similar attack. The climate of insecurity in this region is jeopardizing citizens’ freedom of movement and disrupting their daily lives.
The voice of Symphorien Kwengo, Vice-President of the Kwango Provincial Civil Society Consultation Framework, resonates strongly in the face of this escalation of violence. He calls on the relevant authorities to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of the region’s inhabitants. It is essential that the security services take action to restore peace and allow the population of Kwango to live peacefully.
At a time when the security context remains unstable in some parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, it is imperative to prioritize the protection of civilians and ensure a climate of security conducive to daily activities. The tragic events that occurred on the Lonzo-Kingala axis should prompt deep reflection on the measures to be taken to prevent further acts of violence and protect the vulnerable population.
It is time for the international community and national bodies to redouble their efforts to end the insecurity that threatens the well-being of populations in different regions of the DRC. The safety of citizens must be the authorities’ top priority in order to ensure a better future for all.