**Kinshasa: A concerted fight against urban banditry through the “Ndobo” operation**
The New Year is often synonymous with festivities and celebrations. However, this period can also represent a major challenge for security authorities. In Kinshasa, the night of December 31 to January 1 was the scene of a significant operation carried out by the Congolese National Police (PNC). Indeed, in the four districts of the capital, the PNC arrested 450 suspected bandits, nicknamed Kuluna, as part of an initiative aimed at securing the end-of-year festivities.
But beyond these impressive figures, it is worth questioning the roots of this phenomenon of urban banditry and the spiral dynamics that support it. The Kuluna, a term in Lingala referring to street gangs, represent a dark side of the Congolese urban landscape. They are often seen as victims of a socio-economic system in crisis, where the lack of job opportunities and adequate public services creates a breeding ground for crime.
The operations led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jacquemain Shabani go beyond a simple crackdown. They mark an ambitious government initiative to redress a situation that seems to be spiralling out of control. During his rounds of communal houses, Shabani not only oversaw the operations, but also sought to humanize the security issues by listening to citizens’ concerns.
Compared to other African countries, where urban banditry has been combated with more violent methods, the approach in Kinshasa seems to include a willingness to investigate and reassess socio-political causes. The planned mobile court hearings to judge these 450 arrests, as well as the 1,500 others arrested previously, are an indication of the authorities’ awareness of a broader social pathology. A systemic approach may be necessary to treat the symptoms while addressing the root causes.
In terms of effectiveness, the PNC’s strategy stands out for its ability to alert and react. The numbers speak for themselves: 200 offenders apprehended in the Tshangu district, where victims have flocked to claim their stolen goods, underscore the urgency of an active police response. However, the challenge remains immense – young people recruited into these gangs often face exacerbated marginalization and find themselves in a vicious cycle of illegality and exclusion.
It is also important to shed light on the psychological impact on Kinshasa communities. Fear of banditry leads to a loss of confidence in public institutions, creating a gap between the population and law enforcement. In this context, the PNC’s efforts must be accompanied by an approach of rehabilitation and community dialogue. Only an inclusive approach, which takes into account the concerns of citizens, will guarantee sustainable solutions.
The Kuluna phenomenon deserves special attention. The young people who engage in it are not simply criminals; they are often disillusioned young people, with no prospects for the future. The Congolese State could take advantage of this delicate situation to set up reintegration and vocational training programs, aimed at offering other alternatives to violence and crime.
Finally, the “Ndobo” operation must be interpreted not only as a spectacular crackdown, but also as a call for deeper reflection. The fight against urban banditry cannot be limited to police repression. To be truly effective, it must be accompanied by investments in education, training and social inclusiveness. Kinshasa, with its cultural wealth and vibrant youth, has the potential to become a model of renewed urbanity, but this will require collective action, both from the authorities, communities and citizens themselves.
Thus, the road to sustainable security in Kinshasa rests on an essential combination – the repression of crimes, community engagement and socio-economic transformation. The centuries to come may well judge this step as a crucial turning point in the trajectory of the Congolese capital. For a future that values peace and development, it is imperative to seize this moment to engage in reflections and proactive actions in favor of a restored Social Cohesion.