### Tragedy in Mwene-Ditu: the shadow of a climate of tension
In a tragic event that shook the province of Lomami, Governor Iron Van Kalombo Musoko arrived in Mwene-Ditu this Thursday, January 2, 2025 to report on the situation following a shooting that occurred the day before, involving a police officer and Chinese employees of the company Crec 6. This tragedy not only caused the death of two Chinese workers but also raised alarming questions about the security of expatriates in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly in the context of large-scale infrastructure projects.
### The context of the shooting: between security and tensions
It all started on January 1, 2025, when a police officer, nicknamed Mutombo Kanyemesha alias “Méchant Méchant”, opened fire on three Chinese subjects, leading to an immediate reaction from the local authorities. At first glance, this move appears to reflect a stressful and potentially chaotic environment. But in the background, deeper socio-economic issues could play a significant role.
Crec 6 is one of several Chinese actors engaged in infrastructure development in the DRC. While these projects are often hailed for their potential to boost the economy, they also create tensions. Indeed, social conflicts can arise between the local population and foreign employees, especially when the benefits of such cooperation are not clearly perceived by local communities.
We also note that violence is not an isolated phenomenon. The DRC has regularly faced security challenges, exacerbated by a lack of dialogue between law enforcement and the population, and a culture of impunity that has persisted for decades. This sad event could well be the catalyst for a necessary debate on the role of the police force and the need to improve their training in the management of relations with expatriates.
### A quick but insufficient reaction?
The governor promised to set up a joint team composed of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Congolese National Police (PNC) to protect Chinese workers who are participating in the asphalting work on National Road No. 1. Although this initiative is essential to calm the climate of uncertainty, it nevertheless raises several questions about its effectiveness.
Infrastructure projects, so crucial for the development of the country, should not be done at the expense of security and the perception of justice. In other words, it becomes crucial to question the strategies to guarantee the security of expatriates without increasing mistrust and suspicions within local communities.
### A comparative perspective: expatriate management in Asia
To better understand the complexity of the situation, we can look to models of expatriate management in Asia, particularly in China and India. In these countries, the speed of response of the authorities to violent incidents involving expatriates is often immediate, while integrating formulas for dialogue with local communities. This relationship of trust is fundamental to establishing a climate of security, which would reduce tensions and promote better integration of foreign workers.
### Call to action and towards a new road
The tragic incident in Mwene-Ditu should not be considered as a simple news item. It reveals structural flaws in the management of community relations and security issues that deserve urgent attention. It is imperative that the authorities take concrete measures to ensure the safety of all, not only by strengthening the police presence, but also by promoting social dialogue.
It would also be fair to question the long-term impact of such events on the attractiveness of the DRC for foreign investors.
Initiatives of awareness-raising, mediation and involvement of community members in infrastructure projects could create a space conducive to cooperation and peaceful coexistence. National Road No. 1 must not only be asphalted; it must become a symbol of shared progress, where security and development go hand in hand.
The tragedy of Mwene-Ditu calls for deep and collective reflection. A peaceful and prosperous future for the DRC depends on our capacity to dialogue, listen and act in a concerted manner. It is time to broaden our perspective and consider sustainable solutions.