** Security at the heart of debates in Haut-Katanga: a reflection on governance and social cohesion **
Haut-Katanga, a province rich in natural resources and cultural diversity, is at a crucial crossroads of its development. The Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the Interior, Jacquemain Shabani Lukoo, recently held a working session with the national deputies of this region, stressing the importance of the security and institutional issues that cross it. However, to understand the extent of the challenges faced by Haut-Katanga, it is necessary to look at the historical and socio-economic factors that generate these issues.
### Security issues: an alarming inventory
The testimonies shared during the meeting with the elected officials of Haut-Katanga are not simply echoes of local concerns, but reveal systematic issues. Urban crime, insecurity in rural areas, customary conflicts and political tensions are interconnected themes that deserve an in -depth analysis. According to recent studies, crime in urban areas of Haut-Katanga has increased by almost 30 % in recent years, correlated with the increase in socio-economic inequalities and a chronic sub-effective of the security forces.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that measures are underway to restore security. However, it is crucial to question the efficiency and sustainability of these responses. The solution to these problems requires a multidimensional approach, integrating both public security initiatives and socio-economic development programs.
### Electoral organization: an essential challenge for local democracy
The organization of the elections of the mayor and their assistants, as well as the appointment of territorial administrators, remain subjects of discord. These processes are essential for the legitimization of local authority and citizen participation. The last election in the province was marked by accusations of fraud and arbitrary arrests of opinion leaders, elements which undermine the confidence of citizens in their institutions. To restore this confidence, it would be wise to examine models of participative governance, inspired by successful initiatives elsewhere in Africa, as in the Republic of Ghana, where reforms have enabled electoral integrity and transparency.
### Reorganization of customary power: a critical issue
The reorganization of customary power is another crucial subject that has been addressed. Indeed, the place of traditional chiefs in the modern governance system is often ambiguous. It is imperative to understand that customary power should not be considered as an obstacle to modernity, but as an ally in the process of consolidating state authority. Intercultural dialogues and partnerships between the State and the traditional authorities can promote better management of local conflicts and strengthen social cohesion.
### Proactive approach: towards sustainable security
To do this, the government must have a proactive and preventive approach. The NDOBO initiative, as well as the popularization of legal texts on provincial and safety committees, can represent notable advances. However, their success will depend on the political will and the ability to largely involve local populations in their implementation.
In parallel, it would be relevant to consider capacity building programs for local security forces, as well as awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to actively engage in the safety of their environment.
### Conclusion: a future to build together
The meeting of March 19, 2025 marks the beginning of a process which will imperatively have to feed on a collaborative and inclusive dynamic between political actors, the police, customary authorities and civil society. Haut-Katanga has immense potential, but to fully exploit it, it is essential to restore confidence and consolidate the foundations of a participatory democracy. By cultivating this synergy, it will be possible to imagine a serene and prosperous future for this province rich in promises.
The voice of citizens must be understood and integrated into the decision -making process, thus opening the way to lasting solutions to the complex challenges which assail it. A real transformation does not only depend on political decisions, but also on the collective capacity to initiate a constructive and inclusive dialogue, a true key to peace and development in Haut-Katanga.