### Tensions between Police and FARDC in Kisenso: A Reflection on Security and Social Cohesion
The recent events in Kisenso, a commune of Kinshasa, highlight a complex problem: the cohabitation between the different security forces in a context of the fight against banditry. Through an in-depth analysis of the situation, it is necessary to assess the impacts of this police and military duality not only on security but also on social and community dynamics.
#### Context of severity: banditry on the rise
The Kuluna phenomenon, which directly refers to urban banditry in Kinshasa, has been on the rise in recent years. According to local statistics, nearly 30% of residents in certain neighborhoods say they have been victims of assaults or attempted theft. In this context, the presence of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) was seen as an immediate solution to a problem that has lasted for decades. However, the way in which this presence is managed is key to the sustainability of the results achieved.
#### An unusual but necessary duo
The tangible results already observed in the fight against banditry seem contradictory in the face of the reality of tensions between the police and the military. Some residents of Kisenso, although shocked by the recent exchanges of fire, support the idea that the FARDC have contributed to a clear improvement in security. This paradox raises the question of whether genuine collaboration between these two entities can lead to positive synergy rather than a schism that could harm public order.
#### A question of leadership and protocols
Disagreements over the management of arrests, as in the tragic case of the two police officers killed, seem to stem from a lack of communication and clear protocols. This observation highlights the absence of a unified doctrine that could guide joint interventions. At the state level, initiatives are needed to establish common regulations and training for members of the law enforcement and security forces.
#### The impact on the community psyche
The repercussions of this war against banditry are not limited to security measures; they also generate a transformation in collective perception. The climate of fear engendered by regular detonations in the Kabila neighborhood is a reflection of the fragility of the social thread in this commune. The decisions of residents to sleep at relatives’ houses to avoid the noise of weapons indicate an urgent need for a return to normality, where the community could feel safe without questions about the military confrontation.
#### Social cohesion through trust
It is imperative to develop strategies that foster trust between the population, the police and the military. Community mediation initiatives, awareness campaigns and spaces for dialogue can play a crucial role in demystifying the image of the army and the police. By promoting regular meetings between the security forces and community actors, it becomes possible to build a climate of cooperation, where everyone can see the common issues.
#### Towards an integrative reform of the security forces
More broadly, this situation calls into question the need for a systemic reform of the security forces in the DRC. Projects to secure the population should include appropriate training components to integrate skills in conflict management and listening to community needs. Thus, the approach would no longer be focused solely on repression, but would integrate a preventive dimension and support for local actors.
In conclusion, while the presence of the FARDC in Kisenso has enabled significant progress in the face of banditry, existing tensions highlight an urgent need for reform and dialogue. This path towards peaceful and effective cohabitation requires a collective effort to ensure a serene and protective environment for the population. Security must not be synonymous with conflict, but rather become a real point of convergence between law enforcement and citizens.