Fatshimetrie
In the lively Bongonga region of Lubumbashi, a confrontation between two groups of young people broke out, wreaking havoc on Avenue de la Ferme. The clashes took place last Thursday, a day full of tensions and social fractures. The Catholic school La Martine, located on this avenue, was the scene of this violent altercation. The vandals broke windows and benches, disrupting the school activities of the innocent young students.
To this day, the material damage is still being felt, marking the minds by the traces left by this unnecessary violence. The windows are in pieces, testifying to this day of chaos and disorder. The inhabitants of Bongonga, led by their cell leader, Baba Valentin, express their concern about the growing insecurity hanging over their neighborhood. They call on the competent authorities to act quickly to guarantee the security of the La Martine school, which has become a recurring target of these acts of incivility.
School officials responded promptly by evacuating students as soon as the unrest began. These clashes between young people are unfortunately frequent in this area of Lubumbashi, without the reasons for this violence being clearly identified. Some sources suggest that these young people belong to rival political parties, thus adding a political dimension to these neighborhood conflicts.
Steps have been taken to apprehend those responsible for these reprehensible acts. Four individuals have been arrested by the police, while others are still at large, fleeing any punishment. Investigations are underway to put the fugitives out of harm’s way and guarantee the safety of the inhabitants of Bongonga.
This umpteenth altercation underlines the urgency of promoting dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflicts among Congolese youth. It is imperative that local authorities, supported by the community and schools, join forces to prevent such incidents in the future. Because the peace and security of the population are invaluable assets that deserve to be preserved at all costs.
In these troubled times, when violence sometimes seems to take over, it is crucial to cultivate values of respect, tolerance and mutual understanding. Because it is in unity and solidarity that lies the key to a better future for all the inhabitants of Lubumbashi and beyond.