**Kinshasa, January 9, 2025: The spiral of violence around motorcycle theft is on the rise**
In the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, motorcycle theft has become a worrying and growing problem. The recent arrest of alleged thieves in Socopao, in the commune of Limete, highlights not only the growing danger of this illicit activity, but also the growing anxiety of citizens who depend on motorcycles for their livelihood.
A pastor from Dilandos was recently the victim of two successive thefts in the space of a month. “These thieves had stolen my first motorcycle in December. Today, they stole another one,” he said, in shock. Far from being an isolated incident, this situation reflects an alarming and systemic trend. Indeed, according to statistics collected by local authorities, the number of motorcycles stolen in Kinshasa has increased by nearly 40% in one year. This figure also reflects concerns that are more deeply rooted in the Congolese socio-economic fabric.
### A phenomenon rooted in society
The surge in motorcycle theft in Kinshasa is accompanied by a climate of violence that raises questions. The need to protect one’s property in an increasingly hostile environment pushes some criminals to commit violent criminal acts, even endangering the lives of their victims. Most motorcycles are also the main means of transportation for many Kinshasa residents, whose daily lives depend largely on this transport activity. However, this is not only a crime problem, but also a reflection of the precarious economic conditions that force many to navigate dangerous routes in order to successfully provide for their families.
### The response of law enforcement
The Congolese national police have tried to mobilize in the face of this growing threat, as evidenced by the arrest of the alleged thieves following a raid on the ground. However, this action raises questions about the effectiveness and consistency of police interventions. The emergence of organized criminal networks reveals the need for a more comprehensive and coordinated police strategy to counter this phenomenon. Experience shows that an isolated approach, based solely on one-off arrests, is doomed to failure in the face of the violent dynamics that underlie this crime.
### A society at a crossroads
The issue of motorcycle theft is a reflection of the difficult living climate that many Congolese experience. Desperation, fueled by rampant unemployment and the lack of economic opportunities, pushes young people to turn to crime. Long-term solutions are therefore needed to break this vicious cycle, such as the creation of vocational training programs and economic development initiatives.. Investing in structures that can revitalize the local economy may be the key to saving young people from these spirals of violence.
### Consider a parallel model
Let’s take the example of some East African countries where community initiatives have helped combat motorcycle theft and banditry. In Nairobi, for example, GPS identification systems have been set up, allowing owners to track their vehicles in real time. The involvement of community honor and solidarity networks could also help create an environment of trust, thereby reducing the room for maneuver for criminals.
### Conclusion: A call for collective action
The phenomenon of motorcycle theft in Kinshasa is indicative of a complex problem, rooted in economic, social and cultural realities. Faced with this spiral of violence, it is essential that the State, communities and civil society collaborate on initiatives aimed not only at reducing crime, but also at improving the living conditions of citizens.
Denunciation of crime is crucial, but it is not enough. Congolese society is at a crossroads, and to break this cycle of violence, it is urgent to initiate sustainable solutions, based on solidarity and development in order to guarantee each citizen the necessary conditions for the exercise of their rights in complete safety. Fatshimetrie.org calls for a collective awareness to return to peace and prosperity in the streets of Kinshasa.