Senior Chief Superintendent Mungu Akonkwaa Moliki recently spoke about the challenges facing the Congolese National Police (PNC) in protecting displaced persons in Goma, North Kivu region. These challenges include the lack of adequate logistics to erect checkpoints and the lack of an armoury to store weapons. These shortcomings appear to be compromising the police’s ability to provide security to the camps where vulnerable people reside.
Despite these challenges, Superintendent Moliki highlights the efforts made by the police and the mechanisms put in place to combat insecurity. He highlights the distance between the positions of the army and local camp defence forces, as well as the regular checks on armed individuals visiting their relatives. These measures aim to strengthen camp security and prevent incidents.
The provincial authority also launched the operation “Safisha muji Wa Goma”, which led to the arrest of many criminals involved in acts of insecurity in Goma and the Nyiragongo region. In parallel, a community security approach involving the collaboration of displaced persons was established. A committee of volunteer monitors works closely with the security forces to report incidents and threats in real time.
This participatory approach has improved the responsiveness of the authorities to threats to the IDP camps. Thanks to this close collaboration, the police have a thorough knowledge of potential risks and can take effective preventive measures to ensure the safety of vulnerable populations.
Ultimately, the hard work of the security forces, combined with the commitment of local communities, seems to be bearing fruit in the fight against insecurity in the Goma region. Despite logistical and operational challenges, cooperation between the police, local authorities and displaced populations is a key element in preserving peace and security in this particularly sensitive area of North Kivu.